Downtown divided
Rome’s downtown businesses divided on proposed ‘small bar’ ordinance, potential future parking plans
“also We want to be progressive in moving forward, but we want to protect the integrity of downtown and the businesses we have now.”
As the Rome City Commission gets ready to consider a “small bar” ordinance for a second time, the topic was brought up during Thursday’s Rome Downtown Development Authority meeting.
The ordinance recommended by the Rome Alcohol Control Commission seeks to eliminate the 5050 food-to-drink ratio for liquor sales with some restrictions.
Establishments would have to be no larger than 1,800 square feet, or 2,200 square feet with outside service. Additionally, they can only serve from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; can’t charge an admission fee; and any entertainment must be preapproved by the ACC.
One issue that has been raised is the fairness to other alcohol establishments that have to meet the 50-50 ratio. There is also the issue of a reduced liquor pouring license fee for small bars that is a part of the ordinance.
DDA Director Aundi Lesley said she has spoken to several downtown business owners to get input, and the feedback has run the gamut with some opposed, while others had a more neutral opinion.
“Alcohol is one of those things that can be polarizing anyway,” Lesley said. “When you’re talking about how it impacts existing businesses, it can be even more polarizing. Our role as the DDA is to make sure that we are
DDA Director Aundi Lesley
here to support the small businesses as best we can.”
Lesley added that it’s hard to say whether the ordinance would be good or bad.
“It’s almost one of those things that have to be taken on a case-by-case basis,” she said. “It’s difficult. It’s a tough discussion to have. We want to be progressive in moving forward, but we also want to protect the integrity of downtown and the businesses we have now.”
Lesley said one area of consensus among the establishments she spoke with is that all of them would like to see a reduction in the liquor pouring fees for everyone, regardless of size.
DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY
It’s been a week since the three-hour parking limit on Broad Street was suspended as part of a study, and the DDA got an update Thursday.
Lesley told the board that there has been some misconception about the purpose of the study. Although it has been called a parking study, the focus is more on tracking customer behavior.
“If they are allowed to park longer without the threat of a ticket, would they take advantage of that. And if they do, are they spending more money and it is benefiting our businesses,” Lesley said. “We will have a general customer survey we will put out at some point. In the meantime, we are tracking this very closely with our businesses, so we can understand if it is hurting them or benefiting them.”
Since the suspension of the time limit on parking has only been in effect for a week, there is not a lot of data. However, there are some early trends.
“We find that the businesses that need quick turnover are not really in favor of the study,” Lesley said. “Those businesses that have clients that come in and will spend several hours are naturally in favor of the study. It’s kind of the nature of the game, I guess.”
There have been some concerns about the cost and other aspects of the study, but Lesley stressed that everything is being done in-house.