The Columbia Police Department (CPD) has permanently closed a downtown business after being deemed a public nuisance.
‘Main’s Best, LLC’ Convenience/Grocery store located at 2132 Main Street was declared a public nuisance on August 15, 2022 as defined by City of Columbia’s Code of Ordinances, Section 8-31 (C) (5) and South Carolina Code of Law: 15-43-10.
An initial ‘Notice of Intent to Declare Property Public Nuisance’ was sent to the owners on April 22, 2022. This location has proven to be a drain on police resources.
The primary factor that determined the business a nuisance focuses on criminal activity and quality of life issues that have detrimentally affected surrounding businesses and neighborhoods.
Since January 2021, CPD officers have responded to more than 200 calls for service; each criminal offense documented to include drug possession and distribution, larceny, loitering, urinating and defecating in public, alcohol violations and litter/trash accumulation.
Additionally, in June 2022, CPD filed a “Law Enforcement Protest” against the renewal of the businesses alcohol permit license. As part of the alcohol protest, CPD sent a letter to the South Carolina Department of Revenue Alcohol Licensing Division. The letter in part states, ‘It is of the opinion of the Columbia Police Department that the Main’s Best Convenience Store has failed to operate and sell alcohol in a responsible manner, therefore adversely affecting the public health and safety within our community.’