Monday, September 18, 2023–8:12 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
Peaches on Broad Street could get its liquor pouring license back, with a food-to-drink ratio variance if the Rome City Commission goes along with a recommendation from the Alcohol Control Commission
In May, the city commission terminated the establishment’s liquor license on grounds that it was not meeting the 50-50 ratio. The action came with a stipulation that the license could be reapplied for in three months. Unless a variance is granted, establishments in the City of Rome that sell distilled spirits by the drink must also be a restaurant, selling at least as much food as liquor. The ratio does not apply to beer and wine.
Peaches has continued to operate, but owner Stephanie Shaw said losing the liquor license has had a negative impact on her business.
“I have lost multiple shows that have been gained by the Forum, which is directly behind me,” she told the ACC.
According to Shaw, she has probably lost about 75 percent of her business.
Since the suspension, she has partnered with Tiger and Bea’s BBQ, who is now operating the kitchen, and she presented numbers to the ACC on Monday.
Rome City Commissioner Craig McDaniel, who sits on the ACC as a non-voting member, suggested that since Peaches is more of an entertainment venue than a restaurant, ticket sales could be used to meet the 50-50 ratio. Similar variances are in place for other establishments such as Old Havana, which counts the sales of tobacco products, and Alibi Prohibition Lounge and Combat Market, which counts firearms sales as part of the ratio.
The ACC then voted to recommend the city commission grant Peaches a new liquor license where the 50-50 ratio could be met using food and concert ticket sales.
McDaniel did note there is no guarantee what the full commission will do.
“Sometimes, we can’t agree on what day of the week it is,” he said. “
Following the vote, ACC Chairman Billy Cooper had some advice for Shaw if the new permit is granted.
“You have to keep records of your food and ticket sales,” he said. “If you don’t, you will lose your license again.”