Beer Permit Denied At Tunnel Boulevard Establishment For Now At Community's Request

  • Thursday, December 18, 2014
  • Gail Perry

The application of a new beer license for a convenience store at 601 Tunnel Blvd. brought a large group of nearby residents to the Chattanooga Beer Board meeting Thursday. There are ongoing problems in the neighborhood, where people congregate and drink, the board was told. This has led to violence, trash and litter. Several years ago, a shooting in the parking lot occurred and a stray bullet went into the daycare center across the street. 

 

Steve Caudle, the pastor of Greater Missionary Baptist Church in the area, blames a lot of the problems on beer sales.

He told the board that it is an impoverished area and has a history of alcohol abuse. “You’ve got gasoline there, don’t strike the match,” he said. Of all the things needed in the neighborhood, it is not another beer license, he added.

 

On Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. the food kitchen Shepherd’s Table serves lunch at the church. The director William Copeland told the board that even at that time of day, young men come in intoxicated and fights break out. They have left by the time the police arrive. He said the goal is to help and serve them and they want to do it in the right environment. “These are alcoholics—they don’t need beer in the community,” he said, “We’re asking you to dry up the community.”

 

These words were echoed by the president and the secretary of the Eastdale Neighborhood Association who asked the board to deny a license for Ashish Chaudhari, who was planning to lease the location and continue running the same type of business but changing the name from Frank’s Grocery to Kanku’s.

 

Mr. Chaudhari owns six other Kanku’s in Chattanooga and several members of the beer boar commended him on cleaning up and improving the locations he has taken over in the past. Board member Christopher Keene told the neighbors that Mr. Chaudhari has a good reputation and it may be an improvement. Chairman of the Board Ron Smith implored them to visit some of his other locations. Mr. Copeland told the board that, knowing the community, he did not see how Mr. Chaudhari would be able to help. The people creating the problems become violent and will resist anything proposed. “He has no control once they have left the store,” he said.

 

Beer Board member Dan Mayfield, who was aware of the problems in the area, said, “It’s a war zone” where people have lost their moral compass. This speaks to a broader question than just beer sales, he said, and then suggested taking the matter to the Chattanooga City Council. He said it puts both the board and the merchant in a tough position.

 

Assistant City Attorney Keith Reisman said the location has been rezoned to C-5 District which does not allow sales of alcoholic beverages. However, this store retains its grandfathered status, which allows 100 days of non-use before the right to sell alcohol is lost. Property rights cannot be taken away when zoning changes occur, he said.

 

Mr. Chaudhari told the board he would abandon taking over the store if the community continued their opposition, but asked what the difference would be if Franks sold beer or he did. A leader of the Hamilton County Coalition suggested a meeting between the applicant and the community before a vote to address concerns and to hear a response of concrete proposals as a show of good faith. He told the board that once a permit has been issued, the owner does not owe the community anything.

 

Vice Chairman Smith warned that there are two other convenience stores in the vicinity and denying this license will not stop the problems. Mr. Mayfield said, “Maybe we have to start somewhere.” He told Mr. Chaudhari this was no reflection on him. The vote was unanimous to deny the license at this time, with the understanding that, after a community meeting, the applicant can re-apply.

 

A permit was given to The Casual Pint, 103 B. Cherokee Blvd. This business was described as a craft beer market. Consumer beer will be available along with samples and appetizers although the owner said it is not considered a bar. The concentration will be selling carryout packs and growlers. Hours are to be from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and it will be open until 1 a.m. on weekends.

 

Marco’s Pizza at 5723 Hixson Pike has been open six months and will begin to serve beer after the New Year since the restaurant was approved for an on-premise beer permit Thursday morning. On Monday through Thursday, the restaurant is open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. It is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday and closes at 10 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Kathy Horton, owner of Legends, 3001 Rossville Blvd., opened her bar and received a beer license on Nov. 6. She was cited to the beer board less than 60 days later. On Dec. 4 during a compliance check by the Chattanooga Police Department, Officer John Collins found two large bottles of liquor and a Mason jar of non-commercial moonshine, all opened and two thirds full. The bar does not have a liquor license.  

 

At the time of the check, no customers were present. The single employee and the owner both claimed they were unaware of the bottles. Mr. Keene reminded her that she was responsible for everything that goes on at the bar. Board member Andre Harriman said she could not feign ignorance, saying, “Everybody here would understand that you can’t sell moonshine.”

 

The beer permit for this business was suspended for 30 days beginning Dec. 25.

 

Each year the beer board must elect officers among themselves, and the positions cannot be succeeded by the same person. Vice Chairman Smith, who has been acting as chairman, was elected to preside over the board as chairman for the upcoming year. Christopher Keene was chosen as vice chairman and Dan Mayfield as secretary for 2015.

 

 

 

 


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