Gadsden council tables liquor-license decision for Gaga’s Bar & Grill after revenue department raises tax concerns

The Gadsden City Council voted to table a decision for one week on a Class I lounge retail liquor license for Gaga’s Bar & Grill after the city’s revenue director said the business had not met requirements on local sales-tax remittances.

At a public hearing on April 14, Laura Copelan, the city’s director of revenue, told the council the applicant had not met all licensing requirements and "Gaga has consistently failed to remit taxes," citing city sales-tax records that show remittances only between May and November 2025 despite the business operating earlier. Copelan said the revenue office had requested records and engaged the Alabama Department of Revenue to resolve outstanding returns.

The applicant, owner Cintara Herd, told the council she has run multiple businesses, is rebranding her restaurant as a lounge and is committed to correcting any prior errors. Herd said she had scheduled a meeting with the Alabama Department of Revenue the following day and that some obligations were in dispute or under audit, saying she is prepared to address any liabilities.

Councilman Avery moved to table the resolution for one week to allow the audit meeting and for the revenue department and owner to confer; Councilman Smith seconded the motion, which carried on a voice vote. The council asked the revenue director to return with updated information at the next meeting.

The council did not adopt or deny the license at Thursday’s meeting; action is expected after the audit and any follow-up documentation are reviewed.