GENEVA, Ala. (WDHN) — Tina Miller, the owner of QB’s Sports and Grill in Geneva feels like she has been discriminated against as she has been unsuccessful at trying to get a liquor license for her business for quite some time. A business that just opened at the beginning of June.
“About two months ago I had an African American male arrested out of my location and every since then I felt like I been the victim of discrimination here in Geneva by the police, mayor and city council,” says Miller.
According to Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock, that male was one of her employees. Police found him smoking marijuana inside the restaurant in Miller’s presence.
After further investigation, it led to the discovery of almost half a pound meth, marijuana wax, packaging materials for selling drugs, a handgun and ammunition in his vehicle.
Shortly after the incident, Miller’s application for a liquor license made it before the city council.
Mayor David Hayes says at the first meeting, she was approved for consideration until the next meeting and at that meeting which was two weeks ago, council members went into executive session to discuss the matter with the police chief.
After reconvening, they voted 6-0 with one council member abstaining to deny the liquor license.
“Ever since then, I feel like the energy just changed toward me,” says Miller.
At this week’s meeting, the council denied Miller and her attorney from speaking as mayor says they just showed up and didn’t follow the correct procedures.
However, he says Miller is not getting treated unfairly as she has asked to be reconsidered at the next council meeting.
Miller also claims that at the last council meeting, there was talk about making zoning changes to the alcohol ordinance for businesses — which she views as another attack since the other two establishments before her didn’t have those rules.
“The distancing location from church or playground that was directed toward me to get an exact distance so I don’t open fully,” says Miller
Miller says she is a mother of five and has been in Geneva all her life and she didn’t realize how much of a battle it would be to run her business. She says she has never been in trouble and overall she wants to help Geneva grow.
“I’m just trying to make an income for my family and help others employ them and make income for her families,” Miller says.