In a significant move towards regulating the sale of food and beverages in Rome, the Alcohol Control Commission is set to deliberate on two new proposals. The first rule aims to tighten restrictions on establishments that must generate at least half of their revenue from food sales, while the second rule focuses on clarifying the role of food trucks in meeting this requirement. These discussions reflect the Commission’s efforts to ensure that alcoholic beverages are sold primarily in legitimate eateries, hotels, and private clubs, rather than in venues that do not meet these criteria. The meeting will take place on Tuesday at City Hall, where stakeholders and the public can voice their opinions. The Commission’s recommendations will then be forwarded to the Rome City Commission for final approval.

Commission Proposes New Guidelines for Food and Drink Sales

On a crisp autumn afternoon, the Rome Alcohol Control Commission will convene at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall, located at 601 Broad St., to review two critical proposals concerning the sale of food and beverages. The first proposal seeks to eliminate special exemptions for businesses that are required to derive at least 50% of their income from food sales. However, existing exceptions will remain intact, even if the establishment changes ownership or relocates. This measure aims to create a more uniform regulatory framework, ensuring that all establishments adhere to the same standards.

The second proposal addresses the role of food trucks in helping businesses meet the 50% food sales requirement. Under the new rule, food trucks will only be permitted to assist in meeting this quota if there is already a functioning kitchen at the main location. This adjustment underscores the Commission’s commitment to maintaining high standards for food service operations, particularly those serving alcohol.

Additionally, the Commission will consider extending permits for selling beer, wine, and liquor at Mega Beverage Rome, currently under construction at the former Fazoli’s site on Hicks Drive. This extension would last for an additional six months, allowing the project to progress without interruptions. Another item on the agenda involves permitting alcohol sales at the newly constructed library amphitheater, aligning it with other public spaces like the Forum.

These proposed changes come after recent debates over creating a special category for “small bars” that would not need to comply with the 50% food sales rule. The City Commission ultimately rejected this idea, signaling a preference for stricter enforcement of existing regulations. The Commission’s decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food and beverage sales in Rome, balancing public safety with business interests.

From a journalist’s perspective, these proposals highlight the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and commercial flexibility. While stricter rules may benefit public health and safety, they could also pose challenges for smaller businesses that rely on alcohol sales to stay afloat. Ultimately, the Commission’s recommendations will need to strike a balance that ensures compliance without stifling innovation in the local dining and entertainment scene.