YouBar owners seek permanent liquor license after extended temporary permits in South Fulton

The East Point City Council convened on May 12, 2025, for a work session primarily focused on the status of the YouBar's alcohol licensing and an update on the city's economic development strategy.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the YouBar, which has been operating since January 1, 2025, under a temporary alcohol license. The temporary license, initially set to expire in March, was extended for an additional month due to the owners' need to resolve outstanding paperwork and compliance issues. Council members expressed confusion over the ownership structure of the YouBar, clarifying that the previous owner, Al, is no longer involved in the business but remains a personal guarantor on the lease. This means he is financially liable if the business defaults, although he has no legal rights to the establishment.

The council addressed the need for a new public hearing regarding the YouBar's alcohol license, as the previous hearing was held before the new owners obtained their business license. The city attorney indicated that the prior public hearing may not fulfill the requirements due to the lack of a valid business license at that time. Consequently, the council discussed the possibility of extending the temporary license to allow the owners time to comply with all regulations.

In a related motion, the council considered placing the YouBar's alcohol license on the agenda for action at the next meeting, scheduled for May 19, 2025. Council members expressed support for this approach, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal requirements while also facilitating the business's operations.

Following the YouBar discussion, the meeting transitioned to an update on the city's economic development strategy. The council welcomed Jeff Koski from KB Advisory Group, who provided insights into the updated strategy plan. The council discussed the importance of public communication regarding the plan's implementation and deliverables, with a focus on ensuring that the community is informed about upcoming initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a brief update from the police chief on ongoing projects, including the integration of surveillance systems and community safety initiatives. The council's next steps include finalizing the agenda for the upcoming meeting and ensuring that all necessary public hearings and compliance measures are addressed.