City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Wednesday, December 27, 2023 The Rome City Commission met at 11:30 a.m. this date for a Special Called Meeting in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Mayor Stevenson presided with Commissioners Bojo, Doss, Askew, Collins, and McDaniel present. Mayor Pro Tem Cochran and Commissioners Beeman and Quick were absent. Alcohol Pouring – Sunday, December 31, 2023 Secretary Smith explained that it has recently come to the attention of the City of Rome, that State of Georgia code section OCGA 3-3-7(r) allows local governments to designate one Sunday per calendar year in which establishments, that are not otherwise qualified to pour on Sunday, are allowed to pour alcohol. Smith explained that the enabling statute (3-3-7(j)), which authorized the City of Rome to call for a Sunday pouring referendum, specifies that any establishment which pours beer, wine, or liquor on Sunday, must meet the state mandated annual 50/50 food/drink ratio. As a result, there are currently six pouring establishments in the City of Rome that are not allowed to pour on Sunday since they do not meet the state mandated food/drink ratio. City Attorney Andy Davis explained that this state statute originally was drafted to allow Savannah establishments to pour alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, which fell on a Sunday. The statute was later changed to allow local governments to designate the particular one Sunday per year in which these type of Sunday sales can occur. Commissioner McDaniel moved to adopt a resolution which would authorize Sunday, December 31, 2023, as the one Sunday in calendar year 2023 when these establishments can pour. Commissioner Bojo seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Secretary Smith indicated that the Alcohol Control Commission would likely review the option for designating the Sunday in 2024 at their January meeting. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 11:38 a.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 1