News Summary
In Columbia, local residents and law enforcement are uniting against the liquor license appeal for the Pitt Stop gas station. As concerns about crime linked to the store rise, community representatives argue that allowing alcohol sales exacerbates issues related to the city’s growing homeless population. With a history of police incidents and ongoing public safety challenges attributed to the Pitt Stop, the judge’s upcoming ruling on the appeal is anticipated to have significant implications for the community’s wellbeing and safety.
Columbia – Residents, business owners, and law enforcement in Columbia are rallying against the liquor license appeal for the Pitt Stop gas station on Elmwood Avenue. The appeal is being examined by a judge following a court hearing on June 4, 2025. Local concerns have intensified over the store’s role as a significant source of crime, particularly linked to its proximity to the Transitions homeless shelter.
Community representatives, including former state senator Dick Harpootlian, argued that the presence of alcohol retail at Pitt Stop compounds the challenges faced by the area’s homeless population, who are often more vulnerable to addiction. This situation has raised alarms among Columbia residents as the city confronts a growing homelessness issue, with city leaders pledging to tackle the crisis in 2025.
According to Columbia Police Inspector Michael Crowley, the Pitt Stop has become notorious, with police documenting a high volume of incidents. Over the past 18 months, law enforcement has responded to 540 calls for service related to the Pitt Stop. This alarming figure represents approximately 70% of some officers’ time, indicating the store’s impact on public safety and police resources.
Concerns regarding safety and disturbances surrounding the Pitt Stop have been echoed by other members of the community. Mary LaFave, an attorney representing a law firm nearby, reported multiple incidents of public intoxication, fighting, and sexual misconduct occurring outside her office due to activities attributed to the convenience store. Such reports highlight the ongoing disruption experienced by local businesses and residents as a result of the store’s operations.
Various neighborhood associations have also voiced their apprehensions, confirming that the Pitt Stop has become synonymous with crime and disruption, exacerbating existing community issues. These testimonies have played a crucial role in the push to deny the liquor license appeal and emphasize the negative consequences of allowing the store to continue alcohol sales.
In response to community concerns, Applegreen South Carolina LLC, the parent company of Pitt Stop, claims to have taken steps to address loitering and related problems. Initiatives such as limiting the sale of single alcoholic beverages and adjusting alcohol sales hours have been implemented in an effort to mitigate the situation. However, these measures have not alleviated the fears of residents and law enforcement.
Historically, the South Carolina Department of Revenue rejected Pitt Stop’s application for a liquor license amid strong opposition from local residents. Following this decision, the convenience store has filed an appeal to have that ruling overturned. The Administrative Law Court is expected to issue a ruling on the appeal in the upcoming weeks, which will be pivotal for both the store and the community that it serves.
As Columbia grapples with increasing homelessness and its related challenges, the outcome of the Pitt Stop liquor license appeal will have significant implications. The local community is watching closely as residents and officials advocate for measures that prioritize public safety and address the root causes of crime in their neighborhoods. The unfolding situation reflects broader tensions between local businesses, law enforcement, and the social issues that plague Columbia, making the response to this appeal critical for the future of the Elmwood Avenue area.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Pitt Stop Gas Station Liquor License
- Columbia Spectator: CB9 Votes to Reject Liquor License Renewal
- Post and Courier: Five Points Bars Liquor Licenses
- The State: Local News Article
- WLTX: Five Points Bars Legal Battle
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Liquor License Issues Columbia SC
- Google Scholar: Liquor License Appeal Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liquor License
- Google News: Pitt Stop Liquor License
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
