2 Businesses Owned By J.T. McDaniel Cited At Beer Board

  • Friday, October 2, 2015
  • Gail Perry

Two separate businesses in close proximity and that have the same owner, J.T. McDaniel, were both cited to the Beer Board Thursday morning for violations of the Chattanooga Beer Code. J.F.T. Beverage Tobacco & Billiards, 1401 E. 3rd St. was charged with hours regulated and operating a disorderly place. Officer John Collins said he received a complaint from Officer Caleb Brooks that he has continuously received calls to clear the parking lot of that business and others lots surrounding it.

On August 29 the Chattanooga Police Department responded to the location with officers from four districts, pulling resources from other parts of town, said Officer Brooks. Despite the requirement that a bar be closed at 3 a.m., when he entered the building at 3:10 a.m. he said around 10-15 people were there although none were drinking at the time. Outside he said the neighboring parking lots of businesses that were closed at the time, were full and cars were parked on sidewalks and three rows were blocking the street and cars were unable to leave the lots.  

The manager told the board that the people inside after 3 a.m. were all employees. Mr. McDaniel has now instructed him to close at 2:30 a.m. and clean up the next morning if not finished by 3 a.m. 

The owner and manager both said they worked closely with the police and told the board that people come from other areas to the surrounding parking places, not just from their business which can legally hold only 49. They were told if permission was given by owners of the other businesses, they could call tow trucks when violations were seen. Board member Christopher Keene noted that the manager should not be responsible for clearing the neighborhood and if permission is granted they would gain better control over the situation. The penalty of a written reprimand was given to the business. 

Several issues involving a second bar owned by Mr. McDaniel at 1403 E. 3rd St. was the cause of another citation. It was operating as Za’s Place although the business license had been issued to a defunct bar named The Office. The beer permit was under the name of Mr. T’s Ice Cream and Pizza which had not been in operation for three years. The business also had no land line telephone which is required for a beer license. Mr. McDaniel had paid for the beer permit every time it came due but neglected to apply for a license under the new name and new ownership. “It’s so tangled up,” said Chairman of the board Ron Smith. This beer license was revoked until the time that Mr. McDaniel reorganizes the business, when he will be allowed to apply for a new one.

J&B Bar and Grill, 2407 Glass Street has only been open around six weeks and was called before the beer board for over occupancy. The business is approved for 92 people which includes any person working or in a band. Officer Collins said there were around 200 in the building when he entered. His priority was to get people out and make it safe. This incident required 10 patrol cars to respond. The manager, Cleveland Billingsly, blamed the mistake on having only one clicker to count patrons at the door. He now has two- one to register those entering and another to count those leaving. This license was suspended for three days beginning Oct. 9.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, 432 Market Street was charged by the TABC board for serving a minor. When a second violation is found, it is automatically reported to the beer board, which may impose the same violation as the TABC. This suspension was for 15 days. The manager, Brad Emendorfer, said they assume responsibility and find the mistake unacceptable and careless. The restaurant’s policy is to ID everyone but one server was careless. That server lost their job, and a fine of $1,000 was paid the first time it happened and a 15-day suspension of the ABC license the second time. The servers also were required to take an ABC class on how to ID for alcohol sales. The restaurant self- imposed an additional two-week suspension of selling any alcohol. The beer board unanimously voted to take no additional action for the time already served.

Two applications for new beer permits were heard and approved by the board, one for the Dollar General Store at 3158 Broad St. and the other for Murphy Oil USA, 463 Signal Mountain Blvd. which is located in front of WalMart.

Organizers for several special events were issued beer licenses. River Rocks, a finale after a month of outdoor events, will take place for the third year on Oct. 24 at Coolidge Park from 4-8 p.m. This is planned as a family event featuring lawn games. Food, beer and wine will be sold.

The Rooftop Hop sponsored by GreenSpaces is a party that moves around to different locations. It is the fourth year for the fundraiser with a goal of promoting sustainability in living, working, building and eco-friendly behavior. This year the parties will take place on Oct. 24 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Locations are 212 Walnut St. / Walnut Commons, 201 Power Alley / The Chattanooga Lookouts, 215 Broad St. / CARTA parking garage north and 10 Bluff View / The Hunter Museum.

A fall farmer’s market named Harvest Fest / put on by harvest Market, 5414 Hixson Pike will take place Oct. 17. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This is planned to be an outdoor, family friendly event with 25 vendors, local artists, guitar music, face painting, food and beer.

Haven and Ale @ Cambridge Square, 9431 Bradmore Lane, will be an Octoberfest celebration on Oct. 24 from 12-5 p.m. 

 

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