Monday, March 18, 2024–8:21 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome Alcohol Control Commission is recommending a $2,000 fine and a 60-day suspension of the package license at Mi Tienda Food Mart at 611 Shorter Avenue following a license hearing conducted Monday night.
The business, which does not have a pouring license, was called before the ACC following an allegation of alcohol consumption near the gaming machines.
Glen Rubin, City of Rome Senior Code Enforcement Inspector told the ACC that he went into the store due to an unrelated matter regarding Unified Land Development Code guidelines for outdoor lighting when he smelled the odor of cigarette smoke. He went to the gaming area and saw people smoking, and one person with a couple of open Modelo beers at a coin-operated amusement machine.
Affan Arif spoke on behalf of Mi Tienda owner Bipinchandra Soni. Arif did not dispute what Rubin said but told the ACC that Soni was out of the country when the incident occurred. In addition, it was the clerk’s first day on the job. He has been fired, as has the manager, who was responsible for training the employees. According to Arif, there was also a language barrier and an issue with the angle of the in-store camera.
“The machines are behind a rack,” he said. “The camera does not display that corner because it’s not a 360-degree camera.”
ACC member Steve VanMeter made the motion to assess the 60-day suspension and fine.
“I appreciate your understanding, but these are serious violations,” he told Arif. “People have to be held accountable from the top down.”
The Rome City Commission will have the final say on the penalties during their March 25 meeting.
Last month, the city commission affirmed a 60-day suspension and $2,000 fine for Garden Lakes Food and Beverage at 2022 Redmond Circle for a similar violation. In that instance, Rubin also observed customers at the coin-operated amusement machines consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking.
The ACC is also expected to conduct another license hearing for the North Broad Food Mart at 1416 North Broad Street. Assistant Rome Police Chief Rodney Bailey told the ACC Monday that officers were dispatched to the store in reference to people drinking in the game room. The officer saw two open beer cans. The officer informed the store owner that drinking was not allowed inside the store. The store owner told the officer that he would make sure the individuals did not drink inside the store anymore. No citation was issued, but members of the ACC indicated an interest in holding a hearing for the store on the third Monday in April.
