Hearing called on two city bistros liquor licenses

By Grace Lovins

During the annual review of liquor license applications for Birmingham establishments at the Monday, February 12, commission meeting, two establishments, Zana and 220 Merrill, were singled out for public hearings and potential application intervention due to multiple code violations.

Birmingham Clerk Alexandria Bingham told commissioners during the meeting that all the city’s establishments filing for a liquor license were up to date on bills and were found in compliance with city regulations aside from Zana, located at 210 S Old Woodward, and 220 Merrill. Both establishments have outstanding safety violations.

Zana has had multiple instances of overcrowding, one of which hindered emergency response needed in the building, and, per police chief Scott Grewe, has been the location of multiple fights or assaults within the last year.

According to Grewe, Zana is considered the popular place in the city and it isn’t uncommon for officers to be at the front of the building during closing time to help curtail behavior. He said that there have been seven instances over the course of the last calendar year, but police have had conversations with Zana staff about the issues and the staff has been receptive.

On top of the police department’s issues, fire marshal Jeff Scaife explained that twice issues of overcrowding have been reported. He said that a year ago, overcrowding was reported and misdemeanor tickets were issued after an investigation. Later the same year, medical crews were called for an emergency but couldn’t get in due to overcrowding at the front of the establishment.

Similar to Zana, Scaife explained that 220 Merrill was also found to have overcrowding which hindered response to a medical incident. Scaife said that the owner contacted the city right away and met with staff to address the issue. The only other violation was due to a ‘pyrotechnic’ candle on a dessert which they have since stopped doing.

Grewe said of 220 Merrill that the bistro has had two minor instances, but nothing of real particular note concerning the police department.

Commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the renewal of the liquor license applications for all city bistros except Zana and 220 Merrill. A public hearing for the two was set for Monday, March 10, during which both establishments will be able to speak to the commission about their applications. Commissioner Katie Schafer was absent from the meeting.