Wednesday, July 17, 2024–9:51 a.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome Alcohol Control Commission has forwarded a recommendation to the full city commission to adopt a small bar ordinance.
Currently, any establishment that sells liquor has to meet a 50-50 food-to-drink ratio, unless a variance is granted. There are only two establishments that have such a variance—Old Havana and Combat Market. The small bar ordinance would waive the food-to-drink ratio for certain establishments that meet certain guidelines.
“The ACC is recommending that the size of a small bar be 1,800 square feet of interior or exterior customer space, not counting backrooms, storerooms, or kitchen areas,” said Rome City Clerk Joe Smith. “One of the other noteworthy characteristics is a reduction in hours. An establishment that is a small bar must close by 11 p.m. as compared to the 2 a.m. time for establishments that have to meet the 50-50 ratio.”
Another condition that was recommended for the small bar ordinance is that it be restricted to the Central Business Commercial and Urban Mixed Use zoning districts.
“It would not be a city-wide proposal; it would only be primarily in the downtown area,” Smith added.
The ordinance would also set the small bar ordinance license fee at $2,000 a year, plus $2.34 a liter, as opposed to the $2,500 and $2.34 per liter for establishments that have to meet the food-to-drink ratio.
The ACC has recommended approval of a small bar ordinance to the Rome City Commission twice, on January of 2023 and March of 2023. Both times it was voted down by a split vote. The topic came up again during a city commission retreat in February and the ACC was asked to take another look at it.
The original concept was to allow an establishment to sell distilled spirits, with restrictions, without meeting the food-to-drink ratio.
“Those restrictions are a key part of the proposal from the original recommendation and still apply today,” Smith said. “Again, they must be small in size and not be an entertainment venue. They are not allowed to charge admission for entertainment and must close earlier. Plus, now they are restricted to a certain zoning district.”
The ACC opted to wait on taking any action regarding a variance request for a new business on North Fifth Avenue, pending the decision from the full city commission on the small bar ordinance. If the commission approves, Elevation Cigar House will come under the ordinance and will not have to meet the food-to-drink ratio. If the commission votes down the small bar ordinance, the ACC indicated they would be willing to grant a variance.
The small bar ordinance is slated for first reading during the city commission’s July 22 meeting with a vote scheduled for their first meeting in August.
Also, on Monday, the ACC deferred a beer, wine, and liquor pouring request for Peachy Pub at 325 Broad Street since the applicant was unable to attend Monday’s meeting.