It is questionable if two businesses that have been selling beer in Chattanooga for many years are legally licensed to do so. Violations of the beer code brought them to the Thursday meeting of the Chattanooga Beer Board, and Assistant City Attorney Reisman recommended proceeding with the hearings and make the determination about licensing later. Each are now are facing two issues related to the city’s beer code.
Big K Market, 909 Dodson Ave. originally had been opened by Fayez Kaddoura. Interpreting for his mother, Hazem Kaddoura told the board that the store has been in her name for the past 10 years. The city has no record that she ever applied to the beer board for a license in her name which is required by an ownership change. If it is determined that is the case, the city will be required to close down the business, said Mr. Reisman.
The violation of the beer code that was heard Thursday, garnered a revocation of the store’s beer permit. This infringement occurred March 26 when the clerk checked the ID of an underage buyer and sold the beer anyway. The 10-year employee said she had miscalculated and that it was just a mistake. The board questioned why the vertical formatting of the customer’s ID had not immediately alerted her that he was underage.
This is the fourth time the business has been caught selling beer to a minor. The last offense occurred March 25, 2014 and is under appeal, said Mr. Reisman. Taking all the prior violations into consideration, in a vote of five for and one against, the board voted to revoke the beer license for a second time, beginning on April 23.
Ace Food Mart, 2100 Main Street also faced charges of selling beer to a minor. The owner/clerk did check the ID but made a sale anyway. He said, “It was clearly my mistake. He looked young so I asked for an ID.” Additionally, he checked a paper on the counter to verify the date required to sell alcohol and tobacco, and mixed them up. “I don’t know what came over me,” he said. Because of working at a second job he was really tired. “It’s the honest truth,” he added.
Board member James Hobbs said he appreciated his honesty and made the motion for a seven-day suspension starting on April 23 which was approved in a vote of six to one, with Andre Harriman opposed.
The board has documentation that the previous owner of the store had a valid beer license. The current owner Sel Yeong said he bought it 12 years ago. He said he did not remember coming to the board to apply for a license, and thought that the accountant had sent one to him. Mr. Reisman said that after researching the matter, he might have to come back to the board and apply of a permit in his name.
Another store cited for underage sales was 9 Brothers, 101 W. 38th. St. The location has had two previous violations, one in 2006 and another in 2008. It is across the street from a large housing development with “minors all over the place,” said Mr. Harriman. This incident took place with a new employee acting as clerk and he did not ask to see an ID before making the sale. The supervisor that was with him at the time was busy, and again, said the manager, they just made a mistake. This business was penalized with a 30 day suspension beginning April 23.
The Southside Market, owned by Mahmood Abdullah was being operated by his relatives while he was recovering from a stroke. Linda Bennig acting as a clerk on March 26 said she did not know to ask for age identification when selling alcohol. Since the incident a sign has been put up and all employees know that IDs must be checked, said the owner. The beer license for this store will be suspended for three days beginning April 23.
Two new beer permits were given Thursday morning. The Stadium Corporation, operating as Finley Stadium, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. was represented by Executive Director Paul Smith and Events and Hospitality Manager Hailey Bates. Mr. Smith told the board that previously, beer sales had been handled under the permit held by the catering company for the stadium. Catering and alcohol sales are now being done in-house which required applying for a consumer beer license.
Hailey Bates is totally qualified and will run it properly, said the Vice Chairman of the beer board, Christopher Keene, the thought echoed by Chairman Ron Smith, before a unanimous vote of approval.
Also granted a carry-out permit was the convenience and small grocery store Tienda Taqueria Santa Cruz, 5601 St. Elmo Avenue.
Approval was given to issue five special events beer licenses, all organized by event planners that are highly respected by the beer board. Chip Baker and Karen Shostak from “Friends of the Festival” are planning American Dream Concert which will be held at Engel Stadium on behalf of the UTC College of Business Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. This program helps veterans redevelop skills. The concert featuring Corey Smith will be May 1 from 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Carla Prichard with Chattanooga Presents applied for and was given a permit to sell beer at all the Nightfall events from May 1 through September 4. These concerts are held at Miller Plaza on Fridays from 6-11 p.m.
The Tennessee Whiskey Festival will also have beer that is crafted in Tennessee available. This event will be at the Tennessee Pavilion April 18 from 6-11 p.m. Three bands will be performing and four bars will be set up. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Hart Gallery that gives the homeless and other non-traditional artist a place to create and sell their work.
Taste of Ooltewah will be held April 26 from noon until 5 p.m. at Cambridge Square. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the schools in the area. The organizers are shooting for raising $100,000, said Dean Morehouse who is in charge of the event. David Siler owner of southern Burger will be selling the beer and will donate a significant part of the sales to the effort. Additionally, there will be 21 food vendors and activities for children such as face painting, a petting zoo and making balloon animals.
The Executive Director of Room in the Inn was given a permit for the Tell Me Something Derby on May 2. It will be held at Miller Plaza from 3:30-8 p.m. Catering will be from Foodworks. This is the only fundraiser of the year for the organization that helps homeless women and children.