Greenville, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals granted a special exception permit for the Gaslight Bar and Grill, allowing it to operate after midnight in the Downtown Airport District. Despite city staff’s concerns over safety and police resources, the board acknowledged the bar’s positive impact on the area. The decision reflects a broader discussion about managing nightlife in Greenville while balancing community safety.
Greenville – The Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously on October 9 to approve a special exception permit for the Gaslight Bar and Grill, allowing it to operate after midnight in the business general district. This decision comes despite city staff’s recommendation for denial, citing recent safety initiatives and concerns about police resources in downtown areas.
The Gaslight Bar and Grill, located at 600 Keith Drive in Greenville’s Downtown Airport District, has new ownership, which required the submission of a new application as special exceptions are non-transferable. Since February, the bar has been operating until midnight under an existing zoning permit granted by the Technical Advisory Committee that allowed it to serve customers later than typical hours.
City staff argued against the late-night permit, stating that another late-night bar could detract police resources from the already busy downtown area and add to the city’s management responsibilities. Senior Development Planner Ross Zelenske expressed concerns over the potential risks associated with loud music and crowds, particularly in light of a rise in altercations captured on video during the summer. However, board members noted that there had been no major issues associated with the Gaslight Bar during its current operations, and previous police reports reflected positively on its impact on downtown safety.
Concerns from the city also centered around the use of DJs. However, the board clarified that Gaslight utilizes karaoke DJs which are less likely to incite the large crowds that staff feared. Nathaniel Bennett, the new owner, expressed relief following the board’s decision as it allows him to continue operating his business with later hours, affirming that Gaslight Bar’s clientele differs from that of other establishments downtown.
The decision to approve the permit for the Gaslight Bar and Grill comes shortly after the board had sided with another bar, Reys, against city staff in a similar situation just a week prior. In addition to the approved permit for Gaslight, the board heard an appeal from FMO Real Estate regarding a digital face on an existing billboard at North Academy and Buncombe streets, which was previously denied. The board voted to defer that application until December 2025.
Board members raised concerns about downtown safety but acknowledged that specific criteria and clearer guidelines are needed from the City Council regarding late-night business permits and operations. The board believes that setting these guidelines could assist in better evaluating future applications and improving safety protocols.
The authorization of the Gaslight Bar and Grill’s late-night operation adds to the ongoing discussion surrounding nightlife in Greenville and the management strategies needed to balance business interests with community safety. City officials continue to monitor the situation as they develop more stringent measures for bars operating during late hours.
FAQ
What decision did the Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals make on October 9?
The Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to approve a special exception permit for the Gaslight Bar and Grill, allowing it to operate after midnight in the business general district.
What were the concerns expressed by city staff regarding the permit application?
City staff recommended denial of the application due to recent safety initiatives and concerns that another late-night bar might detract from police resources in downtown’s busy areas.
What prior operations had Gaslight Bar and Grill been conducting?
Gaslight Bar and Grill had been operating until midnight since February, holding a zoning permit from the Technical Advisory Committee.
What type of music does Gaslight Bar use during their late-night operations?
Gaslight Bar uses karaoke DJs, which were noted by the board as less likely to incite large crowds compared to other types of music.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Meeting | October 9 |
| Location | 600 Keith Drive, Greenville’s Downtown Airport District |
| Permit Approval | Unanimous approval for the Gaslight Bar and Grill to operate after midnight |
| City Staff’s Recommendation | Recommended denial due to safety and resource concerns |
| Prior Operations | Operating until midnight since February |
| Type of Music Used | Karaoke DJs |
| Next Steps for Billboard Application | Deferred until December 2025 |
| Board’s Stance on Safety | Concerned but noted no major issues with Gaslight Bar |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Gaslight Bar Owner Gets OK for Late-Night Hours
- Post and Courier: Gaslight Bar & Grill Safety Concerns
- Upstate Business Journal: Rooftop Cinema Club Approved for Later Hours
- Fox Carolina: Zoning Appeals Board Approves Rooftop Cinema
- Reflector: N.C. 43 North Traffic Concerns Shared at Greenville P&Z Meeting
- Wikipedia: Gaslight Bar and Grill
- Google Search: Gaslight Bar Greenville
- Google Scholar: Greenville Zoning Appeals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville South Carolina
- Google News: Gaslight Bar Greenville
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.
