Hearings set for annual liquor license objections

By Grace Lovins

Following the annual review of liquor license renewals during the Monday, February 12, meeting, Birmingham city commissioners voted to set a public hearing to consider objections for 11 liquor licenses.

Alexandria Bingham, Birmingham City Clerk, explained that the liquor licenses for Birmingham restaurants are reviewed annually, typically starting in November or December.

During the meeting, commissioners approved the renewal of 28 liquor licenses since they were compliant with the city’s liquor code upon review by city staff. The other establishments were found in violation of the code for various reasons.

Two of the bistros’ issues were resolved, said planning director Nick Dupuis. Elie’s Mediterranean and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro still have their outdoor dining areas set up for use, said Dupuis. After clarification, city staff were able to confirm that the bistros’ outdoor areas are considered a legal nonconforming use based on the permits they hold. Outdoor dining can remain for roughly another month and a half, he said.

An additional two bistros had issues that, said Dupuis, could be resolved soon. Sidecar, Slice and Shift had an unscreened dumpster but was recently approved for a permit to fix it. Bistro Joe’s inside Papa Joe’s had issues with the parking lot, but Dupuis noted the owner, Tony Curtis, said the parking lot will be resurfaced and restriped in the spring.

Commissioners Clinton Baller and Andrew Haig both stated that they want city staff to bring information to the public hearing on the bistros that are “repeat offenders.”

“On the list, I counted seven frequent fliers on the objections list, and I only went back two years,” said Haig. “One of those last year was a third or fourth strike already, so this is the fourth or fifth strike for the exact same issue.”

The commission voted 7-0 to approve the renewal of the liquor licenses for the 28 compliant bistros, and set a public hearing for the commission’s Monday, March 18, meeting.