Greenville, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The City of Greenville has revoked Reys restaurant’s late-night operating privileges due to violations of its special exception permit. The establishment hosted DJs after midnight, which is not allowed, and lacked food service during inspections. Owner Jessica Kearns acknowledged the issues but defended her business, stating she would comply with regulations going forward. The city emphasizes its commitment to safety and compliance, with an appeal scheduled at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting soon.
Greenville
The City of Greenville has revoked the late-night operating privileges of Reys, a former club turned restaurant, due to multiple violations of its special exception permit. The revocation is part of a larger city initiative addressing compliance and safety among late-night operations.
Violations uncovered at Reys included hosting DJs, a practice that is prohibited after midnight. The special exception permit allows businesses to play only ambient background music during late-night hours. The owner of Reys, Jessica Kearns, admitted to using DJs but explained that the same speaker system used for background music was also used for DJs. She noted that she would stop the practice of hosting DJs after midnight to comply with city regulations.
Law enforcement officers raised additional concerns during a visit to Reys, finding that no food was available at the time, which contradicts the permit’s requirement for Reys to operate as a General Food and Beverage and Bar establishment. Kearns responded by stating that the second floor of the restaurant was still under construction and unavailable for food service.
City officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining safety and compliance among local businesses. In a recent statement, they conveyed that revocation of permits is a rare action, typically reserved for serious or repeated infractions. The city currently monitors 106 businesses with special exception or conditional permits; however, no other businesses have experienced permit revocations lately.
Some community members, including regular patrons of Reys, fear that the loss of the restaurant’s late-night operation may contribute to a decrease in safety in the downtown area. This concern is intensified by recent viral videos depicting fights in the vicinity. The city and police department have confirmed that, despite these worries, there have been no recent altercations linked to Reys.
The city’s increased enforcement of late-night operational rules is a response to public safety worries that have emerged since the viral altercations. Additionally, documents reveal that Reys had a history of being associated with reports of disorderly conduct and assaults prior to its transformation from a nightclub to a restaurant under Kearns’ management.
The permit for Reys was renewed in 2024, with strict conditions focused on ensuring food service availability. Following the permit violations, the city sent multiple letters to Kearns outlining the concerns and actions that would lead to the ultimate permit revocation.
Kearns contends that her business is being unfairly targeted and has proposed alternative solutions, including modifying the restaurant’s classification to “bar only” and instituting a probationary period for compliance. This ongoing dispute underscores the challenges faced by Greenville in managing its nightlife while balancing the safety community expectations against the operational needs of restaurants and bars.
Upcoming Appeal
The owners of Reys are set to appeal the revocation at a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Reys |
| Owner | Jessica Kearns |
| Permit Type | Special Exception Permit |
| Violations | Hosting DJs after midnight, no food available during inspections |
| City Monitoring | 106 businesses under special exception or conditional permits |
| Date of Permit Renewal | 2024 |
| Upcoming Appeal Meeting | Thursday at 5 p.m. |
FAQ
What led to the revocation of Reys’ late-night operating privileges?
The City of Greenville revoked the late-night operating privileges of Reys due to multiple violations of its special exception permit, which included hosting DJs, a practice prohibited after midnight.
How has the owner of Reys responded to the situation?
Jessica Kearns acknowledged the use of DJs but stated they would stop after midnight. She also defended claims regarding food service availability by explaining that the second floor of the restaurant was still under construction.
What is the city’s response to the issue?
City officials emphasized their intent to maintain safety and compliance among businesses, indicating that permit revocations are typically reserved for serious or repeated infractions.
When is the appeal for Reys scheduled?
The appeal is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. at a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
DEA Raids Underground Nightclub in Colorado Springs
Trump Dismisses 17 Inspectors General in Controversial Move
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: City of Greenville Revokes Special Permit
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Fox Carolina: Restaurant Fights Revoked Permit
- Google Search: Greenville restaurant permit revocation
- Post and Courier: Downtown Greenville Restaurant Permit
- Google Scholar: Greenville restaurant permit
- Fox Carolina: Downtown Restaurant Fights Revoked Permit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville restaurants
- Greenville Journal: Extended Hours Approved for The Matador
- Google News: Greenville business compliance
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
