Despite the large number of restaurants and bars in Atlanta, obtaining an alcohol license from the city can be difficult and cumbersome. The following steps must generally be met before the City will issue the license and permit an applicant to sell alcohol:

1. Complete the application and filing fee with the City of Atlanta Police Department License and Permitting Unit.
2. Appear before the neighborhood association where the bar or restaurant will operate.
3. Attend the neighborhood planning unit to explain the business.
4. Seek approval from the City of Atlanta License Review Board.
5. Receive the signed license from the Mayor of the City of Atlanta.
6. Obtain proper permits from the State of Georgia Department of Revenue.

The business attorneys at Cannon, Mihill & Winkles have considerable experience advising and assisting clients navigate the maze of the City of Atlanta alcohol licensing process. We would be happy to discuss this issue and provide our assistance.

With the holiday season here, the last thing most individuals and small businesses want to think about is their legal needs.  We certainly understand that going to a lawyer this time of year is likely the antithesis of the season!  However, the following are a few areas of legal problems that have arisen with some of our clients in the past year and that you should consider as you identify your potential legal exposure in the coming year: Continue reading →

Recently, the Georgia Supreme Court addressed the question of whether a non-resident corporate officer or director is immune from personal jurisdiction in Georgia if his only contacts with Georgia are in his corporate capacity.   As a matter of first impression, the Supreme Court answered that question in the negative and held that the “fiduciary shield” doctrine does not protect non-resident officers and directors from suits in Georgia if their only contacts with this state are from their official capacities.  Amerireach.com, LLC v. Walker, — Ga. —-, 2011 WL 5964545 (Nov. 30, 2011). Continue reading →

In a recent decision, the Georgia Supreme Court reemphasized the importance of reading each and every provision of a contract before signing.  Novare Group, Inc. v. Sarif, — Ga. —-, 2011 WL 5830488 (Nov. 21, 2011).

In that case, which made local headlines, the plaintiffs bought several condos on the highest floors of buildings in Atlantic Station.  Continue reading →

Alternative Dispute Resolutions, or ADR, is a way of resolving legal disputes outside of the formal judicial system.  ADR often includes both mediation and arbitration (or a combination of both), but is designed to allow the disputing parties to choose the process and decision maker for resolving their conflict. Continue reading →

People often call our office questioning whether they should pursue their case in small claims court. In Georgia, this court is more commonly known as Magistrate Court. We always advise client to weigh the pros and cons of proceeding in Magistrate Court before filing. For some clients, the costs and efficiency of Magistrate Court make it an attractive choice to consider. Continue reading →

Choice of venue provision in contracts.

One of the first issues we consider prior to filing suit is the proper court and location to file the complaint. The location of the suit often depends on the residence and citizenship of the defendant. But where the litigation involves a breach of contract, the location of the suit is usually determined by the terms of the contract. Continue reading →

While it’s probably true that good fences make good neighbors, an improperly placed fence or other encroachment can make for a rocky relationship.  Following these simple steps can help resolve the problem and preserve the good relationship you have with your neighbors. Continue reading →