Flowood aldermen approve two special-use permits to allow alcohol sales at relocated eateries

Mayor Gary Rhoads and the Flowood Board of Aldermen approved two special‑use permits at their July 6, 2015 meeting that will allow alcoholic beverage sales at two properties the applicants said are relocating or operating as resort‑area businesses.

At a public hearing on an application from El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, manager Al Macias attended and no members of the public spoke in opposition. Mayor Gary Rhoads said the restaurant’s current location “is a Qualified Resort Area, and it is just moving locations.” Alderman Dusty Rhoads moved to approve the application for 278 Dogwood Boulevard and to issue the Special Use Permit; Alderman Kathy Smith seconded the motion, which received unanimous approval from all Board members present.

At a second hearing the Board considered an application from Laurel Park Hotel, LLC to designate 118 Laurel Park Cove as a Qualified Resort Area. Shawn Cochran, representing the applicant, told the Board he had read the applicable ordinance and was familiar with its provisions and restrictions. No one spoke against the application. Alderman Kirk McDaniel moved to approve the Laurel Park Hotel application; Mayor Rhoads seconded the motion, and the Board voted unanimously to grant the Special Use Permit.

The permits authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages at the designated addresses under the city’s Qualified Resort Area rules. The minutes record that proof of publication of the public hearings was on file for both items. The Board took each action by motion and unanimous vote; no substantive opposition or conditions were recorded during either hearing.

The Board resumed other agenda business after the approvals and adjourned the July 6 meeting.