A judge’s order signed Thursday will allow the Stay. Social Tap and Table to resume serving alcohol at the Columbia County establishment.
Columbia County commissioners voted Oct. 4 to revoke Stay’s license to sell alcohol, finding the restaurant and bar failed to maintain 50% of its sales from food as opposed from liquor.
MORE: Commissioners revoke Stay Social Tap & Table’s alcohol license
The owner, Renee Hajek, received notice on Sept. 6 that the county was taking action to suspend or revoke the liquor license. According to the writ of certiorari filed on Thursday, Oct. 20, in Columbia County Superior Court, the loss of the liquor license could force Stay Social to close.
A writ of certiorari asks a court to review a decision. The one filed Thursday claims the county ordinance which requires that a business must maintain 50% of its sales from food to have and keep a liquor license is unconstitutionally vague.
MORE: Stay Social may pursue legal action against county decision to revoke alcohol license
Hajek contends in 2021, 50.3% of the gross total sales was from food. How that 50% requirement is calculated is not explained in the county ordinance. The petition also contends the ruled is being applied to Stay Social in an arbitrary and capricious manner because other Columbia County establishments in the same position as Stay Social have not had their liquor licenses revoked.
Stay Social was subject of controversy in July when the business hosted drag shows without imposing an age limit.
Thursday’s order was signed by Chief Judge James G. Blanchard Jr. It allows Stay Social to resume the sale of alcohol until a final ruling on the writ.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
