Problem restaurant liquor licenses renewed

By Grace Lovins

After holding a second hearing on the liquor license renewals of two Birmingham restaurants, Zana and 220 Merrill, city commissioners decided during the Monday, March 10, meeting not to file objections with the state liquor commission.

Zana, located 210 S. Woodward, and 220 Merrill both had their liquor license applications up for discussion due to overcrowding violations. Zana additionally had a violation for several disorderly conduct and disturbance calls in 2024.

The owner of 220 Merrill told the commission that the restaurant has been working to address the issue. He has met with city manager Jana Ecker and fire chief Paul Wells to address the issue and has also put new standards of procedure in place to stop issues from happening.

After the topic of traffic was raised by a resident, the restaurant owner also told commissioners that, when he or the on staff valet notice cars parked illegally around the area of the restaurant, that they will contact the non-emergency police line to inform parking enforcement.

Before moving on to discussing Zana’s license, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the renewal of 220 Merrill’s liquor license.

Zana, having both overcrowding violations and disturbance violations from the city’s police and fire departments, said that while disturbances are part of the business, they have doubled the number of security guards to address both issues. The security guards count the number of people coming into the restaurant and others are placed around the establishment to keep an eye on any disturbances.

City commissiner Clinton Baller took issue with the owners’ comment that disorderly conduct and disturbances were part of the business. Last year, Birmingham’s police department reported seven instances of disturbances or fights inside the restaurant that resulted in arrests.

“We have a 10,000 sq ft. nightclub in downtown Birmingham that has bottle service and has had seven fights just in 2024, and the proprietor thinks that’s just a normal part of operating. … That’s not acceptable to me,” Baller said.

While other commissioners agreed that these disturbances were not just a normal part of operating a business like Zana, they acknowledge the effort the owners have put into resolving the problem. Per police chief Scott Grewe and mayor Therese Longe, Zana has not had any reports of disturbances since doubling their security.

Ultimately, the commission voted 6-1 to approve the renewal of Zana’s liquor license, with Baller voting against the motion.