The Rome Alcohol Control Commission approved alcohol license applications for two businesses this week while postponing action on two others during its monthly meeting at City Hall.
Commission members unanimously approved a new beer and wine package license for 7 Hill Food Mart, located at 1024 N. Broad St., after hearing from owner Peermohammed Kamdar and registered agent Charles Sanders.
The application had previously been delayed at the commission’s June meeting because the original registered agent was not present and commissioners had additional questions. Kamdar told the board the previous registered agent had been replaced and emphasized that he has no connection to the former owner, whose business was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2024 for illegal cash payouts involving coin-operated amusement machines.
Kamdar said the store will operate daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., has 16 security cameras, and uses an ID-scanning system for alcohol purchases. He also said employees are trained to verify identification and refuse sales to intoxicated customers. Following discussion, the commission unanimously approved the license request.
The commission also approved a wine and liquor pouring license for First Watch, which is opening at 413 Turner McCall Blvd. in the Publix shopping center, the former location of La Parrilla.
Although the applicant was not present, restaurant manager Christine Turner and local registered agent Caleb Ratliff answered questions from commissioners. Turner said the restaurant employs 20 servers, 10 cooks, three managers, and two bussers, and includes an 11-seat bar. She also outlined the company’s employee training program for responsible alcohol sales. Because the restaurant had already paid for beer, wine, and liquor licensing, a beer license was also issued.
Commissioners again postponed action on an application from Juice Mart LLC, 1439 N. Broad St., after neither the applicant nor a representative attended the meeting.
Another application from Latino Food Mart, 702 Shorter Ave., also remained unresolved.
Owner Manishaben S. Patel appeared before the commission seeking a new beer package license. Commissioners questioned the ownership and operation of the business because the location was cited by the GBI in 2024 for illegal cash payouts related to coin-operated amusement machines while it was operated by Patel’s son.
Commission members said they need additional information regarding the store’s ownership structure and day-to-day operations before making a decision. No motion was made to approve the license, and Patel was asked to return for the commission’s Aug. 17 meeting with additional documentation.
Rome Police Major Rusty Blair also reported there had been no recent violations involving licensed alcohol establishments in the city. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
