The city’s first applicant for a license to open a retail liquor store in Smithville has passed his first hurdle.
The Smithville Board of Aldermen Monday night voted to issue Jim Smith of 275 Gene Vaughn Road a certificate of compliance, which signifies that he has met all the city’s ordinance requirements to make application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the agency which has the sole authority to grant a liquor license.
Smith, who intends to be the sole proprietor, plans to open a liquor store at 413 East Broad Street under the name “Smithville Discount Wine & Spirits”. The building is currently the location for Clair’s Consignment. Smith is the owner of National Sheet Metal Machine, Incorporated in Morrison.
According to the regulations under the city’s liquor ordinance, the applicant (Smith) was subject to a background check by the Smithville Police Department and the city attorney. “We did run a TBI background check and it came back with nothing on it. Captain (Steven) Leffew did a drivers license background check and everything came out good,” said City Administrator Hunter Hendrixson.
The location for the liquor store also meets the minimum distance requirement from the nearest places of public gathering. ” I got a letter from Gotro Surveying Services showing that they meet the 400 foot distance requirement for packaged stores,” Hendrixson said.
Alderman Josh Miller asked if the manager of the store must also undergo a background check. The manager, Hannah Eckert, who was seated in the audience, said that “every employee is required to have a background check.”
Alderman Shawn Jacobs said he was asked by a constituent if Mr. Smith actually resides in DeKalb County since Gene Vaughn Road apparently extends into Warren County.
“I pulled the tax appraisal and it is in DeKalb County,” replied City Administrator Hendrixson.
“From reading over the application, it looks like he (Smith) has met all the criteria that we have put in place,” said Alderman Gayla Hendrix.
“All that is required of the city is to approve a certificate of compliance. It just shows that they meet all of our ordinance standards to send to the state. We do not issue the permit. The ABC board will do that,” added Hendrixson.
Alderman Danny Washer made a motion to approve Smith’s Certificate of Compliance application. Alderman Hendrix seconded the motion. Aldermen Jason Murphy and Miller also voted in favor. Alderman Jacobs passed.
Smith must now send his approved Certificate of Compliance to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission as part of the state requirements in qualifying for a liquor license.