Time for last call? Bars getting second look after rash of shootings

Following two shootings at a south-island nightclub last week, Hilton Head Island officials emerged Monday with a strong message: They intend to hold bars accountable for crimes that occur on their properties.

The New Year's Day violence, which left a Hardeeville man hospitalized with a bullet wound in his neck, also has reinvigorated calls to pass a town law requiring all bars and nightclubs to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m.

State law prohibits pouring liquor after

2 a.m. at bars, but allows beer and wine to be served around the clock.

Last month, the Town Council said it was not interested in regulating last call, but during a committee meeting Monday, three council members softened their positions and recommended that it at least be reconsidered.

The committee and the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office also decided to launch investigations aimed at revoking permits for Club Life at 81 Pope Ave., a late-night bar that has had several reports of violence on or near its premises.

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner said he will ask the State Law Enforcement Division to work with the state Department of Revenue to revoke the nightclub's liquor license. That process is complicated and requires a hearing in Administrative Law Court, according to a Department of Revenue spokeswoman.

At Tanner's request, the town also is exploring whether it can label Club Life a nuisance so it could possibly suspend its town business license. To do that, it would have to prove its owners violated town laws or building codes.

"It's not as easy as one might suggest," cautioned assistant town manager Greg DeLoach. Declaring a bar a nuisance might require passing a new ordinance, he said.

Police still are investigating the two shootings that occurred Thursday. The first happened at about 1:40 a.m. after Club Life had been cleared out during a fight. Richard Prescott, 23, of Hardeeville was shot while he waited to re-enter the bar. Prescott was listed in good condition Monday at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

About three hours later, when deputies returned to Club Life after reports of a fight, up to a half-dozen shots were fired from a champagne-colored Acura sedan that drove by. No one was injured, but several vehicles were hit.

No arrests had been made in connection with either shooting as of Monday afternoon.

Bob Arundell, an attorney who represents Club Life's owners, questioned why law enforcement is targeting the hip-hop club.

"Had the drive-by shooting been right outside the all-night diner, would they then try to shut down the diner?" he asked. "I think their questions should be, 'Has Club Life done anything wrong? Have they violated any town ordinances? Have they violated any state alcohol rules?' If Club Life has done everything required by state and local authorities, then why are they talking about revoking their business license?"

Arundell said he knows of no liquor violations by the club, and argued that many past incidents at Heritage Plaza, where the club is located, took place in common areas shared by the shopping center's other tenants, which include other bars and restaurants.

"I know the owners are very disappointed each time something happens outside their business," he said. "They're very frustrated when things happen that are outside their control. The last thing anyone wants is something to happen outside at Heritage Plaza, especially the owners of Club Life."

Councilman George Williams said he is concerned Hilton Head's reputation with tourists has been damaged because of bar violence that began last spring, culminating with near-riots of up to 50 people and stabbings and shootings at several south-island locations.

"I think we have to address the issue today and not spend the next six to nine months fooling around on something," he said. "I'm just glad to get something out of here today. We can tweak it down the road."

The 2 a.m. closing time was first proposed by Tanner, who has spent more than $36,750 in overtime pay since May for five extra deputies to patrol south-island bars one day a week. In seven months, the team of officers issued 164 citations -- mainly for drug and alcohol offenses -- about half of which occurred before 2 a.m.

Some other cities in the state, including Charleston, already have similar laws.

"I think if you haven't fallen in love or lust by 2 a.m. or haven't had enough to drink, it's time to go home," Tanner said to some chuckles from the crowd.

But Town Council members still seemed reluctant to embrace such a measure, especially on an island so dependent on visitors.

"It's hard to punish 250 places when it's only a few causing the problems," said Councilman Ken Heitzke, who also recommended the 2 a.m. closing time be revisited, though as he put it, his "heart's not in it."

"I don't think it's going to solve the problem," he said.

The earliest the closing-time ordinance could be considered is Jan. 20, though the speed at which it makes its way to the Town Council is determined by Mayor Tom Peeples, who sets the agenda.

Roy Prescott, owner of Remy's, which stays open until 4 a.m. some nights, said problems at Heritage Plaza began when Club Life opened last spring, drawing crowds of young patrons from outlying areas.

"The solution is rooting out the problem spots and eliminating them," he said. "It's not closing bars at 2 o'clock."

News of shutting down such a bar would ripple throughout the community, causing many other establishments to clean up their acts, said Palmetto Dunes resident Mary

Amonitti, who attended Monday's meeting.

"I think if we got a temporary suspension of that club's license, it will send a chill throughout the business community," she said. "Anyone who owns a club should be responsible for what happens there."