Charleston mayor creates task force on bars

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports Riley sent a memo to city council members Thursday telling them about the committee and asking each of them each to choose one person to serve on the panel.

Riley says he will select representatives from the food and beverage industry, city neighborhoods, the business community and others to serve on the committee.

The city’s planning commission has voted to recommend a one-year moratorium on new bars in the downtown area that can stay open after midnight.

Riley and others had asked for a three-year moratorium. They say the number of bars in the downtown area is growing too quickly.