Metro Beer Permit Board delays permit decision
By Latisha R. Gray
Diversity Institute Fellow
07.25.03
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Jatin Patel’s application went up in suds when the Metro Beer Permit Board voted unanimously to defer his request to obtain a beer license for his new business.
After citing past violations by the previous owner, Desai, Inc., the board decided at its July 23 meeting, to delay its decision on Patel’s application for a permit. The Beer Permit Board had revoked Desai’s license earlier for the illegal sale of alcohol to minors at the store which is located at 2006-A Belcourt Ave.
As recently as last month, the Metro Nashville Police Department had named Beer World among those stores engaged in illegal sales. Board members said, while appealing the charge, Desai continued to sell beer and then sold the store to Patel. The new owner sought to takeover the permit.
Board member Tamara Hart said that after the board revoked Desai’s permit, the store’s owner found “an exit” during the appeal process. “He sold his business to you,” Hart told Patel, “and the cycle of selling beer continues, and he’s sitting back.”
The owner of Desai, Inc., Mike Desai, did not appear before the board. The company’s attorney, Will Cheek, answered some questions but did not respond to Hart’s allegations. He later declined to comment.
Patel, however, told board members that he was not responsible for past violations and had no knowledge of any illegal sales.
“I’m just trying to start a business,” Patel said. “I don’t know if the previous owner was enforcing the rule book.”
Some board members found problems with Patel wanting to keep the same Beer World name and the business’ vicinity to Vanderbilt University, which is within walking distance to the store.
“I don’t think this entity should be selling beer,” said board member Al Cocke, “not today, not tomorrow, period.”
After a half-hour discussion, the board voted not to act on Patel’s request until all legal matters with Desai, Inc. are settled. An appeals hearing on the revoked permit will be held today before the Metro Legal Department. Another meeting to hear citations against Desai is scheduled to be held in August before the Metro Beer Permit Board.
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Articles, photos by Summer 2003 Diversity Institute Fellows
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