17 of 22 get dunked by beer board
03.28.05
By Jacqueline Sanchez
Diversity Institute Fellow
Seventeen out of 22 applications for alcohol permits were rejected by the Nashville Metropolitan Beer Permit Board last night.
Several reasons were cited for the rejections, including: lack of health inspections and missing zoning and occupancy certificates; unsubstantiated lease information and no fire inspection approvals.
One area sports bar lacked all documentation — a highly unusual occurrence, said Joy M. Sims, the acting chairwoman.
"Do they have any piece of paper available?" she said laughingly.
Farah Hanna Dabit, owner of Jack's Market on Gallatin Avenue, was told he could not be approved because his business had sold alcohol to a minor in August 2002.
"It wasn't me," said Dabit. "It was my son, Hanna Farah Dabit, and the $1,500 fine has been paid."
After Dabit told the board that he now operates the business himself, the officials granted his permit.
Robert Ceja, owner of Hacienda Marisqueria y Supermercado, Inc., failed to get a permit, but he said he expected that decision, explaining that he already owns one business in the same location on Nolensville Road and just needed find out his deferral date.
"I know what I need to do," Ceja said. "I started my application procedure one month ago."
Five businesses won permits, officials said, because they had successfully completed the necessary documentation.
Beer inspector Charles Lee said applicants are given a detailed sheet of what needs to be done to receive permits — but some think it is okay to call him before they have seating, kitchens or even plumbing installed.
"They just don't get it when I don't approve them. They think I am being unfair," Lee said.