Terminal South Bar recently shut its doors, leaving its numerous patrons questioning why. This bar was a staple for ABAC students looking to let loose or, if they are 21 or older, to have a drink. There was a variety of concerts and event nights thrown at the bar. Various explanations and rumors have been circulating, but the public has received no concrete reason for the closing.
Two of the bar’s previous owners and a previous manager did not respond to requests for comment.
Carsen Jane Carter was a bartender at the establishment for four years before the bar’s closing.
“Rumors could be rumors, but as far as I’ve heard they needed a liquor liability license, and it was too expensive for them to be able to purchase it,” Carter said. “Nobody had really gone to the bar last semester. They hadn’t been making us as much money as they normally had been.”
“I think that they decided they didn’t want a bar there anymore, so currently they’re trying to find a new location,” Carter continued, “but they can’t build another bar unless they have that liquor liability license.”
Kayla Rhodes Cater, a family member of the building’s owner, declined to comment.
According to the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website, the bar’s liquor license is still active, which raises the question of how unprecedented the closure really was.
ABAC student Laura Wiley said, “I’m definitely disappointed, I bought tickets for my mom’s birthday to see a concert there. I feel like Tifton lost their main place where younger artists come to perform. It’s a big loss for Tifton and other college students for sure.”
While Wiley has since been refunded her ticket money, some patrons are questioning why the bar would close despite having an active performance lineup and an active liquor license.
The closing of the bar shouldn’t be an end to students’ social lives.
Carter said, “It’s going to be weird. There has always been a bar in Tifton. There was the Gin, and there was Terminal. Hopefully, someone will build one soon. I feel bad for all the seniors who have spent their four years at this one bar and don’t get their last semester.”
Students will have different opportunities for events on and off campus.
ABAC Director of Public Relations Chris Beckham said, “We would love to keep them here on weekends and give students something to do.”
There are plenty of events going on in town and off campus. There are other options for students to experience nightlife in the area while staying aware of their actions.
“I would suggest having one friend in the friend taking duties on driving, one weekend I’ll be the DD, and then the next weekend it will be another friend. If you don’t have a DD, call someone you know on campus or always keep a spend-the-night bag in your car,” Carter said.
Hillery Culpepper, the Downtown Tifton Main Street manager said, “If the students are of age to consume alcohol, we do have a speakeasy here downtown. It’s the only one in the area that features Georgia grown products and locally brewed alcohol. The business is Donatello’s located on Main Street.”
“If the bar scene isn’t your type of atmosphere, mostly every first Friday of the month concerts are held at Fulwood Park from 6 to 10 PM for free,” Culpepper continued. “Every second Saturday of the month downtown hosts a ‘Sip and Stroll’ with all the stores having sales and discounts. Almost every month we hold a festival of some sort.”
Culpepper further said, “A great way to know what’s going on is to follow our Facebook page, Downtown Tifton, where we post everything that is going on no matter what your interests are.”
While the hole left by Terminal South’s closure may never be filled, students can nonetheless find alternative ways to socialize and release stress at the end of a long school week, both on and off campus.