Council waives distance concerns and unanimously approves El Taco Azteca alcohol license

The Kennesaw Mayor and Council voted unanimously Sept. 8 to approve a retail pouring alcohol license for El Taco Azteca, located at 2689 Summer Street. Kayla Willis, the city's business license manager, told council the original distance survey had listed a church, but an updated certified survey and city checks showed that church no longer had an active business license at that location; the remaining distance issue is that the restaurant lies within 600 feet of a private Montessori school. "Because of this distance violation, the business license office cannot recommend approval and therefore has referred this application to mayor and council," Willis said, adding that the business previously held a pouring license from December 2014 to December 2024 under another family member.

Applicant Maribel Arroyo, who the manager identified as the owner, said she enforces strict server rules and noted other establishments closer to the school already serve alcohol. Several residents testified in favor: former council member David Blinckhorn and neighbors described El Taco Azteca as a longtime downtown restaurant and urged approval. The council opened the floor for public comment and then called the vote; the mayor recorded five in favor and none opposed, and the motion passed.

City staff reminded council that the charter allows the council to adopt the budget with modifications during a work session (noting the budget schedule), but the alcohol license decision was reached on the evidence and updated survey presented at the hearing.

The council's action reinstates pouring privileges for the current owner; any future distance or operational complaints would be handled under the city code and business license processes.