Greenville, SC, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Rey’s, a downtown staple in Greenville, has been suspended for 45 days due to violations related to alcohol and food sales. Despite nearly 17 years without a violation, owner Jessica Kearns expressed surprise at the city’s decision, related to investigations into disturbances in the area. This action highlights ongoing discussions about compliance in the local nightlife scene, especially with the impending ‘Fall for Greenville’ event, raising concerns over impacts on employees and business operations.
Greenville, SC – Rey’s, a popular downtown business in Greenville, has been suspended for 45 days for violations regarding alcohol and food sales. This suspension comes after the business had previously operated for 6,142 consecutive days, nearly 17 years, without a violation, according to owner Jessica Kearns.
Kearns expressed surprise over the revocation of their special business exception permits, which allowed them to stay open until 2 a.m.. The city’s investigation into Rey’s was prompted by reports of unruly behavior in downtown Greenville over the summer. Although no police reports directly linked Rey’s to any specific disruptive incidents, the general disturbances in the area were a growing concern.
Greenville’s enforcement agent, Kristopher Kurjiaka, indicated that incidents attributed to Rey’s were part of broader nightlife issues in downtown. The investigation revealed that Rey’s had not been compliant with noise requirements and was not selling food until closing time, which was a condition of their permit. Despite claims that their entertainment, such as DJs, did not detract from their status as a restaurant, the lack of a displayed menu online raised questions regarding compliance.
Mary Douglas Hirsch, the planning director, emphasized the city’s commitment to enforcing the conditions set on special exceptions, stating that disruptive behavior would not be tolerated. As a result of the suspension, Rey’s must close by midnight every night instead of their usual closing time at 2 a.m..
The ruling has drawn attention to the enforcement of regulations on nightlife establishments in Greenville and the importance of compliance with licensing conditions. Tim Kearns, Jessica’s husband, expressed concern about the significant impact of the suspension on their employees during peak business months, particularly with the upcoming “Fall for Greenville” event on the horizon.
The situation has sparked discussion among local business owners and city officials about how best to maintain order in the vibrant nightlife scene while ensuring that businesses adhere to the necessary regulations. With the suspension making waves in the local community, many are assessing the balance between nightlife enjoyment and responsible business practices in Greenville.
FAQ
What is the duration of Rey’s suspension?
Rey’s has been suspended for 45 days for violations regarding alcohol and food sales.
How long had Rey’s been operating without a violation?
Rey’s had previously operated for 6,142 consecutive days, nearly 17 years, without a violation.
Why was there an investigation into Rey’s?
The city’s investigation into Rey’s was prompted by reports of unruly behavior in downtown Greenville over the summer.
What were the findings of the investigation?
The investigation revealed that Rey’s had not been compliant with noise requirements and was not selling food until closing time, which was a condition of their permit.
What changes must Rey’s make as a result of the suspension?
As a result of the suspension, Rey’s must close by midnight every night instead of their usual closing time at 2 a.m.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Rey’s |
| Location | Greenville, SC |
| Suspension Duration | 45 days |
| Days of Operation Without Violation | 6,142 days (nearly 17 years) |
| Previous Closing Time | 2 a.m. |
| New Closing Time | Midnight |
| Cause of Investigation | Unruly behavior in downtown |
| Compliance Issues | Noise requirements, selling food until closing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Downtown Greenville Bar Temporarily Losing Compliance
- Greenville Online: Five New Laws in South Carolina
- GvlToday: History of Alcohol Laws in Greenville
- WRDW: SC House Passes Bill for Alcohol Delivery
- Greenville Journal: Prescription Addiction in Older Adults
- Wikipedia: Greenville
- Google Search: Greenville SC Nightlife Regulations
- Google Scholar: Greenville Nightlife Alcohol Compliance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google News: Greenville Bar Alcohol Regulation
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.
