Omaha council asks state to require new liquor application for TNA Grocery after shootings and tavern reports

The Omaha City Council voted 6–1 to request that the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission require TNA Grocery (doing business at 3247 North 42nd Street) to submit a long-form liquor-license application, a procedural step that will trigger extra review of the store’s license renewal. Council members debated whether the incidents cited were caused by the business or reflected broader neighborhood violence.

The request followed a public hearing in which the council reviewed tavern reports and police call logs presented by city staff and the law committee. Council member Goodwin, who sponsored the motion, said the law committee had been presented with “58 incidents” in 12 months and that the reapplication would provide a formal opportunity to ensure the business aligns with public-safety expectations. "I don't accept that" casual acceptance of the violence, she said, arguing for accountability.

The store owner’s attorney, David Houghton, urged restraint and described the business as a community asset and, in his view, a victim of nearby violence: "TNA grocery is here over tapping reports because their building was shot…they were collateral damage when there were victims that were shot near their licensed premises." Houghton and other opponents told the council the long-form step could have serious consequences for the family-owned business and the surrounding neighborhood.

Owner Tariq Ali told the council he was present for the incidents and described security upgrades he had implemented after consulting with police: "They encouraged us to upgrade our cameras, which we did. Upgrade all the cameras, added more cameras outside. Also, they encouraged us to put more lighting outside…which we have done." He said the business has worked with police and had banned problem individuals when possible.

Deputy City Attorney Ryan Wiesen clarified the record on tavern reports and locations, informing the council that two of the tavern reports reviewed were for the 3247 North 42nd Street address and that a third tavern report cited earlier in some materials related to a separate TNA Express location at 5825 North 30th Street. Wiesen also explained the process if the council requests a long form: the state commission may require a new application and the new application generally goes through state review and then returns to the city for a full hearing where evidence is presented and cross-examination is possible.

Many neighborhood residents spoke at the hearing in defense of the store, saying TNA Grocery provides critical services to the community and that losing the license would exacerbate food access problems. Opponents who supported the long form cited repeated disturbances and shootings near the premises and urged further scrutiny to protect public safety. Council members debated legal risk, precedent, and practical consequences; some said tavern reports alone are not dispositive and others emphasized the neighborhood safety concerns the law committee summarized.

The council’s vote does not revoke or immediately change the license. Instead, the vote requests that the state commission require TNA to reapply and triggers an expanded administrative review that can lead to a subsequent city hearing where evidence and witness testimony will be considered. The city attorney’s office indicated it would assist with presenting evidence if the long-form process proceeds. Next steps: the commission may require a new application and the matter could return to the city for a formal hearing.

Action taken: Council approved the resolution requesting a long-form application; motion passed 6–1.