City Leaders: Greenville Bar Had Numerous Complaints, Violations Prior to Shooting

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The City of Greenville has revealed that 821 Greenville, a downtown bar, had a history of numerous complaints and violations before a deadly shooting occurred outside the establishment in May.

Incidents Leading Up to the Shooting

City leaders disclosed that the bar had six reported incidents dating back to January of 2024. This alarming tally does not even include the tragic shooting incident that took place on May 26.

According to a report requested through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by Fox Carolina, police detailed an altercation between two employees that originated inside the bar. Both individuals involved were present at the bar before the altercation escalated and spilled outside.

The city investigation further highlighted that 821 Greenville failed to comply with the requirement of having security guards or off-duty law enforcement officers on the premises, a critical safety measure.

Additionally, city officials pointed out a social media post promoting a “Sunday Funday” event where shots were offered for a penny, a direct violation of South Carolina state law.

Past Violations and Complaints

Before the fatal shooting incident, several other incidents were recorded at the bar in January and February. These included violations ranging from the lack of proper certification for security guards to a manager reportedly consuming alcohol while on duty.

In response to these earlier infractions, the city issued warnings to 821 Greenville in February, indicating that any further violations would lead to the revocation of its permit. Subsequently, following the May shooting, the bar’s permit was indeed revoked.

Response from the Bar Owner

Fox Carolina reached out to the owner of 821 Greenville for comments on the situation and inquired whether they intend to appeal the permit revocation. Updates on this matter are pending as the situation develops.

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Conclusion

In light of the troubling sequence of incidents and violations at 821 Greenville, the City of Greenville has taken decisive action to address the safety concerns posed by the establishment. The importance of adhering to regulations and ensuring a secure environment for patrons and staff cannot be overstated.

For now, the community awaits further updates on the repercussions for the bar and any steps taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.