The Rome Alcohol Control Commission (ACC) took action on several alcohol license applications and enforcement matters during its latest meeting, addressing businesses across the city with a focus on compliance, prior violations and operational oversight.

Shop N Save, 1303 Shorter Ave.

The ACC considered the application of Mohammed Fuzil Shaud Rafi, the new owner and manager of Shop N Save, who requested a beer and wine package license for the location. The business was among several cited by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2025 for illegal cash payouts associated with coin operated amusement machines (COAMs).

Secretary Smith reviewed prior enforcement actions, noting that in December 2025 the ACC held a license hearing for the store after customers were found smoking inside the premises. A $2,000 monetary penalty was recommended and later approved by the Rome City Commission on Jan. 17, 2026. The former owner attended that meeting and did not dispute the violation. The penalty was paid on Jan. 14, 2026.

Mr. Rafi’s license application had previously been tabled due to incomplete information regarding COAMs. At the current meeting, he clarified that alcohol sales have continued under the previous owner’s renewed 2026 license. He reported operating hours of 7 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. daily, approximately three employees, and about 20 security cameras covering the interior and exterior. He plans to install six COAMs once licensed and stated employees undergo online training. He also committed to enforcing a strict no smoking or vaping policy.

Following discussion about the store’s proximity to other businesses and Mr. Rafi’s lack of prior ownership experience, the ACC unanimously approved the license request, contingent upon payment of the $2,000 penalty and receipt of a GBI clearance letter related to the 2025 violations.

Food Mart, 1324 Martha Berry Blvd.

The ACC approved a beer and wine package license for Food Mart, owned and managed by Devin Desai. The store, located near the John Davenport Drive and Martha Berry Boulevard intersection, has operated for many years and was also cited by the GBI in 2025 for illegal COAM cash payouts.

Desai, a new owner at this location but an experienced convenience store operator in the community, told the commission the store will be open from approximately 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. He described safeguards for alcohol sales, including a scanner system requiring ID verification or date-of-birth entry, and said three trained employees will staff the store.

Desai plans to install six COAMs later this year in compliance with Rome’s ordinance and said new Georgia Lottery Commission procedures linking COAMs to ATMs may reduce illegal payouts. He also stated individuals from the nearby Fairbridge Hotel will not be allowed to loiter at the store. The license was approved unanimously.

Lake Mini Mart, 2413 Garden Lakes Blvd., Suite B

The ACC approved a beer package license for Lake Mini Mart, owned and managed by Saleem Badruddin Vadsariya. The small, approximately 300-square-foot store had raised questions among commissioners about space limitations and COAM-to-sales ratios.

Vadsariya and a representative outlined their operating plan, including employee training and the installation of six security cameras. Commissioners reminded them that city ordinance requires 30 days of video storage and functioning cameras at locations with only one employee on duty. With questions addressed, the ACC unanimously approved the license.

Rome Mini Mart, 1714 Turner McCall Blvd.

The ACC unanimously approved a beer and wine package license for Rome Mini Mart, owned by Nilesh Khetia, representing a new corporation. The store was previously cited by the GBI in 2025 for illegal COAM payouts.

Khetia, who lives in Bogart and owns other businesses in Clarke County, appointed William Jones as the local registered agent. Jones attended the meeting and participated in discussions, which focused on COAM compliance, employee training, hours of operation, and Jones’s role in overseeing the business. While commissioners expressed concern over Jones’s experience, the license was ultimately approved with warnings about compliance expectations.

Miles Legacy (Marathon), 1901 N. Broad St. – License Hearing

The ACC held a license hearing for Miles Legacy following two citations issued to an employee for allowing smoking inside the store on Nov. 16 and Nov. 24, 2025. A similar violation had been addressed in December 2025, resulting in a $2,000 penalty approved by the City Commission on Jan. 12, 2026.

Representing the business were owner and registered agent Smita Pahari and attorney Jeremy Salter. The violations were admitted, and Salter stated the responsible employee was terminated once management became aware. He noted store improvements and no further infractions since.

Rome Police Officer Zach Colvin testified regarding the violations and confirmed the store has since improved, with no smoking observed during follow-up visits and COAMs repositioned for better visibility.

After deliberation, the ACC voted unanimously to require Pahari to designate a new licensee who will be regularly present at the store. The new licensee must apply through the City Clerk’s Office and attend the March 16, 2026, ACC meeting for approval. Secretary Smith was directed to summarize the decision and penalty requirements in a letter to Salter.

Overall, the meeting reflected the ACC’s continued emphasis on regulatory compliance, accountability, and operational oversight at alcohol-licensed establishments throughout Rome.