Sunday, January 27, 2025–1:05 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
Two alcohol ordinance amendments are slated for First Reading during Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting.
One would eliminate variances from Rome’s 50-50 food-to-drink ratio.
Currently, any establishment that sells distilled spirits must generate at least half of its revenue from the sale of food, unless a variance is granted, permitting the business to count the sales of other items.
The original ordinance recommended for approval by the ACC in November would have eliminated future variances, but the three current variances could continue, however, if the business is sold or if a new licensee is requested for that business, then the variance would cease to exist.
The Rome City Commission took no action on the recommendation late last year, sending it back to the ACC.
The new version of the amendment approved by the ACC during their Tuesday meeting, allows the transfer of the license with the accompanying variance to a new owner or licensee would be permitted as would a move of the establishment to another location approved by the Alcohol Control Commission.
Another ordinance amendment deals with allowing of food truck sales to count toward the ratio.
Under the latest draft, an establishment may utilize an affiliation with a mobile food vehicle that is parked on the premises to meet the 50-percent ratio, but the mobile-food-vehicle sales must flow through the establishment’s point-of-sale system and supplement an existing brick-and-mortar kitchen that regularly serves meals on the premises.
Only one establishment is currently using food truck sales: The Foundry at the corner of Fifth Avenue and West Third Street. However, they are in the process of building a kitchen.
Second Reading, a public hearing, and a vote on the amendments are scheduled for the commission’s February 10 meeting.
During Monday’s caucus, the commission will hear a presentation from ESP (Extra Special People)
The caucus begins at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Rome City Hall.
