MACON, Ga. — Macon-Bibb's Planning and Zoning Board said an Ingleside Village bar can stay open for now without changes for at least another month.
Board members said Macon's Society Garden failed to follow rules set in 2017.
The Society Garden was said to violate zoning restrictions and occupancy guidelines.
However, many in the area say the Society Garden is a staple to Ingleside Village, and they're leaning on the community and neighboring businesses for continued support.
P&Z said The Society Garden is getting bigger, louder and staying open later than the ordinance permits. But the neighboring businesses say they don't mind.
Adriana Horton is the owner of Oh Honey Baking Company just right next door.
"I can't imagine Macon without it," Horton said. "I think it would be such a loss to the community."
Horton said she's had many friends get married at the Society Garden, she's seen lots of bands make their debut and it's her son's favorite place.
"Society Garden is a staple to our community," Horton said. "Having a place to go when it's nice and sunny outside, you can go and hang out with your friends, you can bring their kids and they're safe."
Jennifer Semmelink commented under The Society Garden's Facebook post, saying their live music was the reason she came to check out the rest of Ingleside Village.
"They're a very popular location," Semmelink said. "I think sometimes when we've been so successful as business owners, we can outgrow our location and I think that's kind of a balancing act that is going on for them."
Semmelink says The Society Garden is experiencing growing pains, so as a community, they need to be more collaborative and supportive.
"I think that we should have a really collaborative approach when it comes to situations like these," Semmelink said. "Trying to collaborate with our local and small business owners, especially, and just trying to figure out what we can do still keep them as a business but also be mindful of certain ordinances, and I think the business owners here are really on board for that."
Co-owner Brad Evans of The Society Garden declined to speak to us on camera. He asked Society Garden patrons to rally on their behalf and said he'd like to see 500 supporters.
Planning and Zoning's next meeting is on Feb. 19.
Evans says if Macon doesn't want his business, he may take it to Houston County.