Alcohol Control Commission

ALCOHOL CONTROL COMMISSION Monday, April 18, 2022 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, Billy Cooper, Steve VanMeter, and Commissioner Beeman. Assistant City Attorney Stephen Moseley and Rome Police Major Paul Webber were also present. Minutes – March 21, 2022 The minutes of the March 21, 2022 meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Rome Tennis Centers, 339 West 3rd Street and 90 Match Point Way The application of Colt Gaston, manager of the Rome Tennis Centers, located at 339 West 3rd Street (downtown) and 90 Match Point Way (Rome Tennis Center at Berry College), was presented. Mr. Gaston is an employee of Cliff Drysdale Tennis Management, and they are the operators of the Rome Tennis Centers. Mr. Gaston is the General Manager and is requesting that a new Beer and Wine Pouring License be issued to him at those locations. Mr. Gaston was present, and all papers were in order. Mr. Gaston outlined the process that will be used for alcohol sales at the Rome Tennis Centers. There will be approximately five employees authorized to sell beer and wine at these two facilities. These employees will be trained based on the corporate policies, and there will be an ID system in place to ensure that no underage sales occur. Mr. Kendrick moved to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License request as submitted. Mr. VanMeter seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Fuel Hickory Smoked BBQ & Grill, 5 East 12th Street The application of Domonique Mixon, manager of Fuel Hickory Smoked BBQ & Grill, 5 East 12th Street, was presented. Ms. Mixon requested a new Beer and Wine Pouring License be issued to her at that location. Ms. Mixon stated that the restaurant is already in operation, and they would like to add beer and wine pouring for their customers. She explained that there are approximately 32 seats at the establishment, and their operating hours are 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. She expects to have two servers involved with the sale of beer and wine at this restaurant. Ms. Mixon commented on training for the employees and stated that the restaurant alcohol policy will be to check everyone for an ID. Mr. Cooper moved to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License request as submitted, subject to all final inspections by the appropriate City officials, including the parking lot for Fuel. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 1 Cloud 9 Retail, LLC, 2105 Maple Avenue The application of Jessica Collie, manager of Cloud 9 Retail, LLC, 2105 Maple Avenue, was presented. Ms. Collie requested that a new Beer Package License be issued to her at that location. Secretary Smith stated that this is a new location; however, it does meet the distance requirements, and Ms. Collie has passed Rome’s background investigation. Ms. Collie explained that she has fourteen years of experience in convenient store operations and management. This new location will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is expected to have five employees. Ms. Collie indicated that gaming machines will also be present; likely the state maximum of eight machines. Furthermore, Ms. Collie indicated that they will have a cash register system that requires the scanning of a driver’s license for the purchase of alcohol. She also commented on the online training program that will be used. Mr. VanMeter commented on some additional online training programs that are well designed and could be beneficial for her employees. Mr. Kendrick moved to approve the Beer Package License as requested. Mr. VanMeter seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Alcohol Sales Permit Ordinance Amendment – Requirement for Security Guards Assistant Police Chief Debbie Burnett was present and stated that, currently, Rome’s ordinance does not require an alcohol sales permit for individuals serving as security guards at alcohol establishments. There has been a recent incident of two individuals working as security guards, and these individuals were found to be not only convicted felons, but in possession of firearms as convicted felons. Currently, anyone in the service of food or beverage at an alcohol pouring establishment and persons working at liquor package stores must have an alcohol sales permit. A background investigation is required to obtain this sales permit, and convicted felons are prohibited from receiving the permit under most circumstances. Deputy Chief Burnett feels that background investigations for those persons working as security guards who are not Post-Certified Police Officers would be beneficial. Mr. VanMeter moved to recommend to the City Commission that this ordinance amendment be considered for adoption. Mr. Kendrick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. This ordinance will be placed on the April 25th Rome City Commission Agenda for First Reading. Police Report Rome Police Major Paul Webber was present and indicated there was no activity to report regarding the Rome Police Department. 2 Adjourned With there being no further business, Chair Sheppard adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 3