The Rome Alcohol Control Commission has tabled an application for a new beer and wine pouring license for A-Side Lounge, a proposed business at 260 N. 5th Avenue, following discussion about the applicant’s recent DUI arrest.
The application was submitted by Shadae Yancey, owner and manager of A-Side Lounge. Yancey told the commission she plans to use the location as a home base for her Jamwich food truck while also providing customers with a place to eat indoors.
According to information presented to the commission, the facility would offer beer and wine for consumption on the premises, along with tables, restrooms and air conditioning.
Secretary Joe Smith told the commission that, at least in recent history, the location has not previously held a City of Rome alcohol license.
During the meeting, commissioners also reviewed Yancey’s background. While she reported no previous convictions, Yancey disclosed a recent arrest on charges of DUI, no proof of insurance and following too closely.
Yancey discussed the circumstances surrounding the traffic incident, stating that she had eaten lunch at a downtown establishment and consumed alcohol before the arrest. She said she has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting her day in court.
Commission members discussed whether the arrest would prevent Yancey from obtaining an alcohol license. The commission noted that a DUI conviction, by itself, does not disqualify an individual from holding a City of Rome alcohol license as long as the conviction does not establish the person as a felon. DUI offenses are generally misdemeanor offenses.
However, commissioners also expressed concerns about the timing of the arrest, which occurred shortly before Yancey submitted her application to serve alcohol at her proposed business.
Yancey was described as open and cooperative while answering questions about the arrest. She also told commissioners that she does not plan to open the facility immediately and said she would have no objection to delaying a decision until a future meeting.
Commissioner Courtney Shepard made a motion to approve the beer and wine license, with Mr. Chris Carey seconding the motion.
Discussion continued, with commissioners raising concerns about Yancey’s decision to consume alcohol before driving and how that incident related to her request to serve alcohol to customers.
When the vote was taken, the motion failed, with Shepard voting in favor and McMichael and Carey voting against approval.
As a result, the application was tabled. Yancey was instructed to contact the City Clerk’s Office when she is ready to move forward with the application so it can be placed back on the agenda for consideration at a future Alcohol Control Commission meeting.
