Alcohol Control Commission

ALCOHOL CONTROL COMMISSION Monday, October 18, 2021 The Alcohol Control Commission met at 5:00 p.m. this date in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Monica Sheppard, Chair, was present along with John Kendrick, Harold Morgan, Steve VanMeter, Billy Cooper, and Commissioner Randy Quick. Assistant City Attorney Stephen Moseley and Major Paul Webber were also present. Minutes – July 19, 2021 The minutes of the July 19, 2021 meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. There was no ACC meeting in August or September. Raceway, 2459 Shorter Avenue The application of Johnny Adhikari, owner and manager of Raceway, 2459 Shorter Avenue, was presented. Mr. Adhikari requested that a new Beer and Wine Package License be issued to him at that location. Mr. Adhikari explained that this is a newly constructed facility that will open during November 2021. It will be a 24-hour store, and he will employ approximately 15 workers. Mr. and Mrs. Adhikari own two other convenient stores with Beer License in Floyd County. Mr. Adhikari spoke about the corporate policies regarding the training of employees, adding that their cash register system will require a date of birth for all alcohol sales. Mr. Adhikari stated that there will not be coin operated amusement machines in this facility. There is also a camera system in this location. Mr. Morgan moved to approve the Beer and Wine Package License request as submitted, subject to all final inspections and approvals by the appropriate City officials. Mr. Kendrick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Fairfield Inn and Suites, 90 Match Point Way The application of Christopher McGee, manager of the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 90 Match Point Way, was presented. Mr. McGee requested that a new Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License be issued to him at that location. This hotel, currently under construction, is adjacent to the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College. Mr. McGee stated that this is not the typical Fairfield Inn and that this property was somewhat custom designed for this specific location and use. Most Fairfield Inns do not 1 have a bar; however, this facility will and will also offer a restaurant with more selections than is typically found at a Fairfield Inn. The planned opening date is December 2021, and Mr. McGee anticipates approximately six employees that will be involved in the service of food and beverage. He elaborated on the corporate training policies regarding alcohol for Fairfield employees. They will likely use the TIPS Training System, and there will also be cameras at this facility. Mr. Kendrick moved to approve the Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License request as submitted, subject to all final inspections and approvals by the appropriate City officials. Mr. VanMeter seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Eggs Up Grill, 1467 Turner McCall Boulevard The application of Kenneth Wright, owner and manager of Eggs Up Grill, 1467 Turner McCall Boulevard, was presented. Mr. Wright requested that a new Beer and Wine Pouring License be issued to him at that location. Mr. Wright explained that Eggs Up Grill is located in the East Bend Development on Turner McCall Boulevard, and his plan is to offer mimosas to his customers and perhaps some of the popular hard seltzers. Eggs Up Grill is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. This restaurant opened in March of 2021 and has approximately 25 employees, ten of which are on the serving staff. Eggs Up Grill Corporate has specific training policies for employees at alcohol establishments. The TIPS Program or the Serve Safe Program would likely be used. There was some discussion regarding the time in which wine can be poured in the City of Rome. Beer pouring can begin as early as 6 a.m.; however, currently, wine (as verified by Assistant City Attorney Stephen Moseley) cannot be poured until 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday (and 11 a.m. on Sundays). Mr. Cooper moved to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License at Eggs Up Grill as requested. Mr. Kendrick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Tortaco, 201 Broad Street, Suite 100 – Special Entertainment Request Representatives from Tortaco, 201 Broad Street, Suite 100 were present to request permission to hold special entertainment. Tortaco does not currently have an Entertainment License, but would like to add that license and have entertainment that is, in addition to the normally allowed entertainment of disc jockeys or bands and normal patron dancing. The request, specifically at this time, is to allow a “drag show” at this location. It was explained that these types of events are currently popular, and Tortaco has already held one event without the realization that an Entertainment License and prior permission were needed. Tortaco apologized for that oversight and requested permission to hold that type of event in the future. It was explained that these events would in no way violate the City of Rome’s Adult Entertainment Ordinance, and they are not risqué in any manner. 2 Tortaco is interested in having this type of show approximately every other month at this time. If the event is held, the first show would be at 7 p.m., and the second show at 10 p.m. Security is provided by Tortaco, and the Rome Police Chief always has the authority to require additional security if needed. After a brief discussion by the ACC, Mr. Kendrick moved to approve the Special Entertainment License request as submitted, with the understanding that this entertainment would not violate any of Rome’s ordinances, or State of Georgia statutes, Mr. VanMeter seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Police Report Rome Police Major Paul Webber was present and presented the police report. There were no outstanding incidents to discuss that involved any type of violations by alcohol establishments. Downtown Open Container Trial Period Secretary Smith explained that the Downtown Open Container Trial Period, as approved by the City Commission, will expire on October 30th. There have been two recommendations made to the City Commission by the Downtown Development Authority regarding this matter. One option is to expand the trial period through the end of the year. The other option is to make the current regulations permanent in nature. Both of these options have been placed on First Reading before the City Commission, and action could take place at the October 25th meeting. As proposed, if the trial period is extended temporarily or permanently, the conditions will remain as they are, and alcohol can be consumed in the designated area between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and subject to the other regulations in the ordinance. Adjourned With there being no further business, Chair Sheppard adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 3