Alcohol Control Commission

ALCOHOL CONTROL COMMISSION Tuesday, September 16, 2024 The Alcohol Control Commission met at 5:00 p.m. on this date in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Billy Cooper presided, with Harold Morgan, Doug Phipps, Taylor McMichael, and Commissioner Wayne Robinson present. Steve VanMeter was absent. Also present were Assistant City Attorney Sam Lucas and Rome Police Major Rusty Blair. Minutes – August 19, 2024 The minutes of the August 19, 2024, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. New China Buffet, 2529 Redmond Circle The application of Mr. Chen Minghui, owner and manager of New China Buffet, 2529 Redmond Circle, was presented. Mr. Minghui requested that a new beer pouring license be issued to him at that location. Mr. Minghui was present, and all papers were in order. This restaurant is in operation and located in the Gala Shopping Center. Mr. Minghui explained that he would like to add beer to his menu. There was general discussion by the ACC concerning this request. Mr. Minghui indicated that his two waitresses that will be involved with the service of beer, either have or will complete online TIPS alcohol training. New China Buffet is open 7 days a week from approximately 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and there is an approximate 200 person seating capacity. Ms. McMichael moved to approve the beer pouring license request at New China Buffet. Mr. Morgan seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Peachy Pub, 325 Broad Street The application of Mr. Guljar Singh, manager of Peachy Pub, 325 Broad Street, was presented. This was a third appearance by Mr. Singh before the Alcohol Control Commission. His initial appearance was in June 2024. At that time the ACC was not prepared to act on the license request and had several unanswered questions. Mr. Singh was not able to appear at the July meeting, but did appear, once again, before the Alcohol Control Commission at their August 2024 meeting. Mr. Singh and his partners were not significantly more prepared in August than they were in June and no action was taken at that meeting. After the August meeting, Secretary Smith instructed Mr. Singh to submit five specific documents regarding this business: the proposed menu, his kitchen equipment, the training program for his employees, his entertainment plans, and a security outline approved by the Rome Police Department. Since that notification, Mr. Singh has submitted the documentation requested. Major Rusty Blair confirmed that he has met with Mr. Singh and feels that they have made progress towards developing a workable security plan, but there will need to be more discussion about this facility before it is ready to open. 1 The discussion continued between the ACC and the applicant regarding the history of 325 Broad Street and the many establishments that have failed to be successful at that location due to the inability to meet Rome’s food/drink ratio or other operational obstacles. This facility is quite large and can accommodate a high volume of customers but has a small kitchen. A venue of this size has the ability to sell a considerable amount of alcohol, including distilled spirits. The ACC is aware of the problems that can occur in attempting to produce and sell enough food from the small kitchen to offset the distilled spirit sales. Mr. Singh was cautioned that he will have to have a very successful food service plan to meet Rome’s 50/50 food/drink ratio. It was also noted that there are considerable issues with the building that must be addressed before the Fire Marshall and/or the Building Inspector will approve a certificate of occupancy. Mr. Singh indicated that the Peachy Pub would offer both lunch and dinner but will not offer breakfast. Their hours of food service are expected to be from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., and they are hoping for a 2024 opening of late November. After further discussion between the ACC members, Mr. Singh and his business partners, Mr. Phipps moved to approve the request for a new beer, wine, and liquor pouring license at this location subject to the submission of a valid food service permit (issued by the Floyd County Health Department) and a certificate of occupancy that has been approved by the Fire Marshall and the Building Inspector. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Guljar and Singh and Ms. Niki Singh have both completed the online ServeSafe alcohol training program and reported that the items that must be corrected with the building in order to satisfy the Fire Marshall would be the responsibility of the building owner (Larry Martin). Harold Morgan/Courtney Shepard Mr. Billy Cooper announced that Mr. Harold Morgan will be rotating off the Alcohol Control Commission as he has served two full three year terms. Today will be Mr. Morgan’s last meeting and Mr. Cooper thanked Mr. Morgan for his six years of dedicated service to the Alcohol Control Commission. Also in attendance at today’s meeting was Ms. Courtney Shepard, who has been appointed by the City Commission to replace Mr. Morgan on the Alcohol Control Commission. Ms. Shepard will begin her service at the October ACC meeting. Police Report Rome Police Major Rusty Blair reported on two arrests that occurred at alcohol establishments over the past month. These occurred at the Harvest Moon and the Dark Side. There was no indication of improper operations by this establishment. One incident involved a drunk patron and the other involving a fight. The Rome Police Department was called for both incidents and the offenders were properly handled. 2 Alcohol Study Committee Secretary Smith reported that attempts are continuing to get the Alcohol Study Committee together. This group will consist of representatives from the Alcohol Control Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Rome City Commission. Mayor McDaniel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojo, and Commissioner Robinson (serves on the ACC and DDA) will represent the City Commission during this study group. The purpose of this group is to meet and discuss alcohol related matters and possible alcohol ordinance amendments primarily regarding downtown. Adjourn With there being no further business, Chairman Cooper adjourned the meeting at 5:27 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 3