Georgetown City Council passed a new ordinance Thursday night that forces businesses in the city that allow on-premise consumption of alcohol to close at 2 a.m.

At first, Mayor Jack Scoville made a motion to limit the law to Front Street because that is where the majority of the problems after 2 a.m. takes place.

His motion failed by a 4-3 vote with Peggy Wayne, Brendon Barber, Jeanette Ard and Clarence Smalls voting no.

Those four wanted the ordinance to be city-wide.

Police Chief Paul Gardner said the ordinance was created after community residents were looking at ways to make the city better.

“Nothing good happens on the roads after 2 a.m.,” Gardner said, adding Conway, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill and Charleston have similar laws on the books.

Kathy Mitchum, owner of Katz at the foot of the Maryville Bridge has been a vocal opponent of the ordinance because she said she sells food to truckers and others after 2 a.m.

“I do feel it is unfair to add more restrictions that will cause less income to the businesses,” she said.

Councilwoman Peggy Wayne said if the law was not citywide, people would bar hop from Front Street to other such businesses after the Front Street establishments close.

Gardner said businesses will be notified in the next couple of days about when enforcement of the new law will begin.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com