The Rome Alcohol Control Commission approved an appeal from a woman seeking permission to sell or serve alcohol despite previous felony convictions and granted a second extension for the planned UPOP facility on Braves Boulevard.
Both matters were considered during the commission’s meeting at Rome City Hall, 601 Broad Street.
UPOP Receives Additional Six-Month Extension
Hiren Patel, owner and manager of UPOP at 637 Braves Boulevard, received approval for a beer and wine package sales and pouring license in September 2025. However, construction delays prevented the business from opening within the required six-month period.
The commission previously granted an extension in March 2026. Patel returned to request another six months, explaining that construction has resumed and he expects the project to be completed in December 2026, with an opening planned for January 2027.
Patel said the facility will include approximately 7,500 square feet of retail space within a total footprint of about 10,000 square feet.
The business plans to offer a full dining experience, along with beer and wine for on-site consumption and packaged sales. Proposed operating hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Patel also told commissioners that he does not plan to install coin-operated amusement machines.
Commission members unanimously approved the second six-month extension, allowing the business additional time to complete the project.
Commission Approves Alcohol Permit Appeal
The commission also unanimously approved an appeal from Kylin Williams, who is seeking an alcohol sales permit to expand her employment opportunities.
Williams appeared before the commission even though she had not yet formally applied for the permit. She explained that she understood her criminal history, including a 2026 felony shoplifting conviction and earlier felony convictions involving shoplifting and drugs, could prevent her from receiving approval.
Williams told commissioners that she is recovering from addiction and recently completed drug court in Cherokee County, Alabama. She acknowledged past mistakes and said she is working to improve her life.
She currently works at an establishment that serves alcohol and hopes to take on additional responsibilities involving alcohol sales or service. Williams said she is interested in working at Peachy Pub, located at 325 Broad Street, and that both her current employer and potential employer are aware of her convictions.
Commission members commended Williams for her progress and encouraged her to continue moving in a positive direction.
They also stressed the responsibility that comes with selling and serving alcohol, particularly the need to prevent sales to underage individuals, watch for situations in which alcohol may be shared with minors, and avoid serving customers who are visibly intoxicated.
Commissioner Taylor McMichael made the motion to approve Williams’ appeal. Chris Carey seconded the motion, and the commission voted unanimously in favor.
The commission also unanimously approved the minutes from its August 17, 2026, meeting. No meeting was held in September.
