The Rome Alcohol Control Commission approved multiple alcohol license requests recently, including an appeal from a local woman seeking a permit despite prior felony convictions, during its meeting at Rome City Hall.

One of the evening’s most notable items involved an alcohol sales permit appeal from Destinee Crocker. Crocker addressed the commission about her past felony convictions, which prevented her from obtaining a permit without commission approval. She detailed her rehabilitation efforts, including graduating from the R.E.A.C.H. program, completing Drug Court and securing employment at Blossom Hill. Crocker also read a letter of support from her manager.

Following discussion, Courtney Shepard made a motion to approve the permit, which Taylor McMichael seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission also revisited an ongoing discussion regarding how alcohol distances are measured for licensing purposes. Chairman Billy Cooper said the commission’s position remains unchanged and that members would not recommend any changes to the current method of measurement. The topic had previously been discussed during March and April meetings. A request from Carress Cason of “The Foundry” to appear on the agenda was later withdrawn.

Commissioners approved a new beer package license for Shorter 611 Inc. after hearing from manager Twinkle Amit Rachh. During the discussion, Assistant Secretary Green noted the business location had previously been cited by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2025 for illegal COAM operations, but documentation had since been provided showing the issue had been resolved.

Rachh told the commission the business would operate daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with two employees and 16 security cameras on site. Shepard moved to approve the license, with Carey seconding the motion. The measure passed 3-1, with McMichael, Shepard and Carey voting in favor and Phipps opposed.

No action was taken on a request for a new beer and wine package license for Juice Mart LLC because no representative for the business attended the meeting.

The commission unanimously approved a beer, wine and liquor pouring license for Mr. Mezcal Mexican Grill LLC. Owner Heriberto Trujillo Sanchez told commissioners the restaurant plans to open in mid-June and employ between eight and 20 workers.

According to the application, the restaurant plans to operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Sanchez told commissioners the business does not currently plan to host ticketed entertainment events.

Assistant Secretary Green noted the Broad Street location has previously housed multiple Mexican restaurants, including Tortaco and El Diamante Bar & Grill, both of which held alcohol pouring licenses in prior years.

The approval for Mr. Mezcal remains contingent upon final inspections and approvals from city officials, including the building inspector and fire marshal.

During the police report portion of the meeting, Major Rusty Blair said there were no incidents to report to the commission.