The Smithville City Council has granted its first city’s first certificate of compliance for a retail liquor store in the city. Aldermen voted Monday night to issue the certificate to Jim Smith of 275 Gene Vaughn Road, giving him the go ahead to apply to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a liquor license.

Smith’s plans are to open the business to be called "Smithville Discount Wine & Spirits," at 413 East Broad Street, the current location of Clair’s Consignment. The store will be managed by Hannah Eckert.

City officials said that background checks have been completed, and that the location meets the 400-foot distance requirement from churches, schools, and meeting places.

Alderman Shawn Jacobs said that he had been asked by a constituent if Mr. Smith actually resides in DeKalb County, since part of Gene Vaughn Road is in Warren County. Hendrixson said that the tax appraisal for his residence was verified as a DeKalb address.

"From reading over the application, it looks like he has met all the criteria that we have put in place," said Alderman Gayla Hendrix.

"All that is required of the city is to approve a certificate of compliance. It just shows that they meet all of our ordinance standards to send to the state. We do not issue the permit. The ABC board will do that," Hendrixson said.

Alderman Danny Washer moved to approve Smith’s application, and Hendrix offered a second. Jason Murphy and Josh Miller voted in favor. Shawn Jacobs passed.