Council approves two alcohol licenses: Chevron convenience store transfer and Whisk Atlanta restaurant

The East Point City Council voted Feb. 3 to approve two separate alcohol‑license requests after public hearings and staff review.

Police Department staff told the council the applicants—an existing Chevron convenience store at 1337 Virginia Avenue and a new restaurant, Whisk Atlanta at 3523 Camp Creek Parkway—met background and advertisement requirements and that the department recommended issuance of the requested licenses.

For the Chevron location, an applicant representative, Salim Thabani, told the council the business owners have three decades of retail experience and asked council to approve the license transfer to the new registered agent. A nearby resident, Tom Wardlow, spoke in opposition, citing a “very high crime rate” at the location and questioning whether another retail alcohol outlet was wise near the Motel 6 and Egan Park neighborhood. Council members paused to verify the address after a clerical typo appeared in meeting materials; staff confirmed the correct address is 1337 Virginia Avenue. After a brief discussion about what data the police could consider when recommending issuance, Council voted to approve the transfer. The motion to approve was made by Council Member Butler and the motion carried following the roll call procedure used in the meeting (all those present responded “Aye”).

Separately, the council heard a public hearing for Whisk Atlanta (presented by applicant Jaden Lamar). Supporters — including resident Vivian Towns and local restaurant operator John Blaine Woodland — described the proposed restaurant as a family‑friendly brunch and dining venue. Police staff recommended issuance of a consumption‑on‑premises license for beer, wine and liquor after the applicant passed background checks and met advertisement requirements. Council Member Butler moved to approve the license; the motion passed (all those present voted in favor).

What the record shows: city staff confirmed both applicants passed required background checks and satisfied advertisement and bylaw requirements for new or transferred licenses. Council asked the police to consider neighborhood crime and security plans when reviewing license applications; the deputy city attorney noted the liquor‑license ordinance lists several items the police chief may consider, including security plans, employee training and parking provisions.

Why this matters: Approving these licenses allows a storefront convenience retailer to continue alcohol sales under new ownership and allows a new restaurant to serve alcohol on site, both actions that may affect neighborhood commerce and public‑safety considerations. Council minutes and the posted hearing notice for the Chevron site were added to the agenda packet at the council’s request.