The owner of two Broad Street nightspots is expected to file suit against the Rome City Commission in federal district court today.
The commission revoked on Tuesday the 2007 liquor pouring licenses at The Prickly Pear and The Alley Sports Bar & Grill and suspended the wine pouring licenses pending a separate hearing by the Alcohol Control Commission.
Click here for minutes from the meeting.
At an ACC hearing earlier this month, owner Doug Pedrick admitted buying liquor and wine for the two establishments through his Cartersville bar. The practice — ongoing for more than a year — violates state law and circumvents the way the city calculates taxes, license fees and food-to-drink ratios.
“We recommended revocation because of the impact on city finances and the blatant disregard for the rules,” said City Commissioner Kim Canada, who also chairs the ACC.
Pedrick’s attorney, Mike Prieto, said the Cartersville deliveries were “a matter of convenience” and not an intent to defraud.
“He asks for the opportunity to make it right and continue the business that brings value to downtown Rome,” Prieto said in seeking leniency.
Commissioners were not swayed, however, and Prieto said they would “seek our remedies through the U.S. District Court” in the morning.
Pedrick retains beer pouring licenses at both establishments and, through Prieto, said they will remain open while the legal battle proceeds.
Also Tuesday, the commission accepted a value of $600,000 for an 82.71-acre tract it owns along Riverside Parkway.
A Memorandum of Understanding gives redevelopment rights to R.H. Ledbetter Properties Inc. — conditioned on several factors including an agreed-upon price for the acreage.
The company must still complete environmental studies and get city approval of a master plan for development before the deal is finalized.
The property sits on the east side of Riverside Parkway across from Ridge Ferry Park.
Click here to see Ledbetter's proposal for the property.
In other actions, the board agreed to revise its prohibition against weapons at city parks to eliminate a firearm ban.
Resident Michael G. Morton said state law does not allow local governments to pass gun control ordinances — and city attorneys agreed.
“It’s not something we have a choice about,” City Manager John Bennett said.
A revised ordinance is slated to go before the Public Safety Committee this month and be adopted by the Commission in October.
The Public Safety Committee also will consider ways to address inappropriately low-riding pants worn on city streets.
“It’s insulting. It’s disgraceful. It’s embarrassing,” said Endra Price, who joined James Gill in calling for action during the public comment period of the meeting.
Click here to see an archived story with background on the Riverside Parkway land deal.
