But the issue is more than beer and the Bible. The decision underscores the need for downtown entertainment zones - areas where bars, clubs and other night spots can operate without disturbing residential areas. City officials have mentioned the need for such zones, but appear to have taken little action beyond the talking stage. It's time the city got serious about establishing such areas, or else find some other way to accommodate the needs of residents and businesses. Balancing the concerns of both groups has seldom been easy in Savannah's older neighborhoods.
Attempts usually end in favor of one side or the other.
Last year, residents of the Midtown and Thomas Square neighborhoods successfully fought to get rid of En Vogue, an East Broad Street bar that had seen its share of fights and violence, both inside and outside the establishment. Earlier this year, neighbors of Wing Daddy's, a restaurant and bar on East Bay Street, failed to get that business' liquor license pulled, despite their complaints about loud noise from the patrons and their motorcycles. The restaurant stays open until 6 a.m. on weekends. Three years ago, Broughton Street residents and business owners tried to get something done about Frozen Paradise, which they said contributed to a string of problems in the area. Not only did patrons congregate loudly on the street late at night, residents and business owners complained, but they also were responsible for vandalizing nearby buildings and urinating on the sidewalks and storefronts.