Council approves Class D liquor license for Hammarow Brand Asian Supermarket with single-sale restriction

The Omaha City Council on July 7 approved a Class D off-sale liquor license for Hammarow Brand Asian Supermarket at 6225 Ames Ave. with a council-added condition prohibiting the sale of single cans of beer and distilled spirits 1.7 ounces or less. The amended motion passed 7-0 for the amendment and the final license passed 6-1 after a roll call that recorded Council Member Festersen voting no.

Applicant Diren Tomang, who identified himself and his address during the public hearing, described the business as a grocery store selling a broad range of goods and confirmed hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Council members questioned operations, staff training and neighborhood concerns about liquor density along the Ames Street corridor.

Council Member Melton said prior approvals along the corridor prompted requests that owners agree not to sell single cans and small “airplane” shooters; after discussion Tomang agreed to an amendment to remove single-can and single-shot sales. Council Member Melton moved the amendment prohibiting single sales and distilled spirits of 1.7 ounces or less; the motion to amend passed on a 7-0 roll call. The subsequent roll call on the amended license passed 6-1, with Festersen recorded as the lone no vote.

The council record shows the license will be issued with the stated restriction; the applicant was advised of available liquor training classes for staff and the city clerk’s office will process final licensing documentation.