2026 3 17 Regular Session Packet City Council

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Agenda Item 
XI. B.  Request for Extension – Athens Wine & Liquor 
 
Overview 
On May 20, 2025, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1139, increasing the number of retail 
package stores authorized in the City from two to three and establishing an application period from 
June 20 through July 7, 2025. Only one application was received, submitted by Amar M. Patel for 
Athens Wine & Liquor, located at 312 Congress Parkway South, Unit #1. 
Under T.C.A. § 57-3-208, an applicant must obtain a local Certificate of Compliance (CoC) before 
applying to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for a state retail package store 
license. On July 31, 2025, City Council denied Mr. Patel’s request for a CoC and established a new 
application period. City Council later approved Mr. Patel’s CoC on October 21, 2025. 
Under Athens City Code § 8-49(4), titled “Time Periods for Action,” an applicant who has obtained 
a Certificate of Compliance must open the business within six (6) months unless City Council 
grants an extension. Otherwise, the Certificate of Compliance is revoke d, the City must notify 
TABC, and the applicant becomes ineligible to apply for the local liquor store privilege license. 
Mr. Patel’s current deadline to open is April 21, 2026. By letter dated February 23, 2026, Mr. Patel 
requested that City Council extend the opening deadline to August 31, 2026, citing unforeseen 
construction delays and pending Tennessee Department of Transportation permits. 
Following discussion during the March 9, 2026 work session, the consensus was to place this item 
on the March 17, 2026 regular session under New Business for further discussion and consideration. 
 
Action to Consider 
Motion, second, and majority vote are needed to approve or deny the requested extension.  
 
Affected Departments 
City Manager’s Office and Community Development Department 
 
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