Macon-Bibb moves to revoke Skyline Lounge land use after zoning violations cited
Officials say the business continued operating outside approved zoning despite cease-and-desist orders
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)– The Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission is moving to revoke the land use approval for Skyline Lounge, a retail tobacco business operating at 635 Womack Street.
According to the commission, the action follows a series of violations by the business operator, including continued advertising and operations that did not comply with prior decisions.
Skyline Lounge was originally approved in March 2023 to operate as a retail tobacco store in an existing commercial building. The permit was issued with specific conditions tied to that approval.
Request to expand operations denied in 2025
In November 2025, the commission denied a request to expand operations into a cigar and hookah lounge that would include alcohol sales and late-night hours.
The permit was issued subject to the following conditions:
Zoning approvals determine how businesses can legally operate. Violations can impact nearby neighborhoods and trigger enforcement actions, including revocation of permits.
Complaints and enforcement actions follow
Planning and zoning staff said they received multiple complaints between January and February 2026 reporting the business was operating outside its approved use. According to staff, there was evidence of continued advertising, as well as the service of alcohol and food.
On Feb. 17, cease-and-desist letters were mailed to the business, and a stop-work notice was placed on the property, according to the commission.
On March 2, staff received a phone inquiry seeking clarification about the order. Officials said they responded by email with details, including screenshots of social media advertisements. A response from the business was received on March 4 and acknowledged by the executive director.
However, on March 20 — 18 days later — staff said a new advertisement for the business appeared on Facebook, which the commission cited as continued non-compliance.
As a result, the staff has recommended revoking the existing zoning compliance. The commission has also begun notifying the Macon-Bibb County License Office and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to revoke any relevant licenses.
The commission cited violations of the conditions tied to the original zoning approval as the basis for the action.
