Alcohol Control Commission

ALCOHOL CONTROL COMMISSION Monday, November 15, 2021 The Alcohol Control Commission met at 5:00 p.m. this date in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Harold Morgan, Steve VanMeter, Billy Cooper, and Commissioner Randy Quick were present. Assistant City Attorney Stephen Moseley and Major Paul Webber were also present. Monica Sheppard and John Kendrick were absent and excused. Minutes – October 18, 2021 The minutes of the October 18, 2021 meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Buffalo Wild Wings, 707 Turner McCall Boulevard The application of Andy Eaton, owner and manager of Buffalo Wild Wings, 707 Turner McCall Boulevard, was presented. Mr. Eaton requested that a new Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License be issued to him at that location. Secretary Smith explained that this was most recently the location of O’ Charley’s Restaurant, which also held a Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License. Mr. Eaton explained that this will be the first franchise Buffalo Wild Wings in Georgia with other locations being company stores. Mr. Eaton is owner, or co-owner of six Buffalo Wild Wings in the State of Alabama. He anticipates a late March 2022 opening date. Mr. Eaton spoke at length regarding the training program that will be used for employees at this establishment. He was very impressive with his knowledge and experience in the alcohol industry, including details about employee training, daily employee meetings, and the corporate Mystery Shopper Program. Mr. Eaton, in his 38 years of experience, has never had an alcohol violation. Secretary Smith mentioned a lease regarding the parking lot at this establishment. For several decades, the City of Rome has leased a portion of our property to be used for additional parking at various businesses that have been located at this facility. Several of the parking spaces are on property that adjoins the City of Rome’s Oostanaula River Levee. Mr. Cooper moved to approve the Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License for Buffalo Wild Wings as submitted, subject to all final inspections and approvals by the appropriate City officials, after the work on the facility is completed. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 1 Karma Sports Bar & Grill, LLC, 144 Hicks Drive The application of Rodrigo Barahona Morales, owner and manager of Karma Sports Bar & Grill, LLC, 144 Hicks Drive, was presented. Mr. Morales requested that a new Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License and Entertainment License be issued to him at that location. Secretary Smith explained that, currently, the Country House Buffet is at this location and holds a Beer Pouring License and an Entertainment License. Mr. Morales is purchasing this business and will reformat his offerings. Mr. Morales spoke regarding employee training and the fact that he will offer entertainment in the forms of bands and DJs. Mr. Morales was cautioned about keeping the business noise under control, even though there are no residential uses in this area. Rome’s Food/Drink Ratio requirements were also discussed with Mr. Morales. Mr. Morales has held alcohol licenses with the City of Rome previously. Mr. Cooper moved to approve the Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License and Entertainment License as requested, subject to all final inspections and approvals by the appropriate City officials as needed. Mr. Morgan seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Turn Up, 1103 Calhoun Avenue The application of Affan Arif, owner and manager of Turn Up, 1103 Calhoun Avenue, was presented. Mr. Arif requested that a new Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License and Entertainment License be issued to him at that location. Mr. Arif spoke at length regarding his business plan. This establishment will be located in the shopping center on Calhoun Avenue at Atteiram Drive. Mr. Arif outlined the entertainment offerings he plans to present at this facility. He described his 400-foot glass dance floor with LED lighting located below. He commented on the big screen TVs that will be offered along with bands and DJs. Mr. Arif stated he has had experience in the alcohol industry. This particular suite in the shopping center is approximately 12,000 square feet according to Mr. Arif. Regarding his business operation, he stated that he will only allow people 21 and up to enter. He spoke at length regarding the security he will offer, including off- duty police officers at the front door. Regarding food, Mr. Arif stated that he will primarily offer bar type food including sandwiches and pizzas and indicated he is aware of Rome’s Food/Drink Ratio. 2 The ACC members cautioned Mr. Arif regarding noise. There are residents in this area, and noise complaints from his establishments will lead to issues as they have at other establishments in Rome. Among the additional information provided by Mr. Arif, he stated that everyone’s ID will be scanned when entering the establishment, and if someone causes trouble, they will be flagged and no longer allowed at this establishment. After further discussion by the ACC members, Mr. Morgan moved to approve the pouring license request as submitted, subject to all final inspections by the appropriate City officials. Mr. Cooper seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. North Broad Food Mart, 1416 North Broad Street The application of Maninder Singh, owner and manager of North Broad Food Mart, 1416 North Broad Street, Unit B, was presented. Mr. Singh requested that a new Beer Package License be issued to him at that location. Mr. Singh stated that he previously held a license at this location; however, it has been dormant for more than a year. He stated that he plans to open at 8 a.m. and close at 1 or 2 a.m. each day. This store will offer beer, groceries, and coin operated amusement machines (8 of them). The staff working at this establishment has already been trained regarding alcohol sales, and ID scans will be required for beer purchases. Mr. Cooper moved to approve the Beer Package License request as submitted. Mr. Morgan seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Wine Pouring Hours Secretary Smith reported that there has been discussion with City Staff regarding the allowed hours for wine pouring. Currently, wine cannot be poured until 10 a.m. each day, which coincides with the liquor pouring hours. Staff is recommending that the Alcohol Control Commission consider establishing 6 a.m. as the allowed hours for wine pouring, which would coincide with beer pouring hours. ACC members would like to consider this proposal and discuss it at a future ACC meeting. Police Report Rome Police Major Paul Webber was present and stated there were no police reports regarding alcohol establishments to report. Adjourned With there being no further business, Mr. VanMeter adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 3