Mi Pueblo owner fights liquor license loss

The owner of a Kennesaw restaurant that had its license to sell alcohol revoked after photos of underage drinkers there appeared on Facebook is appealing the decision in Superior Court.

Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant owner Jesus Bernal has filed a petition in Cobb Superior Court, asking for a review of last month’s County Commission decision to yank the restaurant’s liquor license.

The commission’s unanimous decision followed a show-cause hearing Nov. 11 requested by the county license review board.

The restaurant filed the petition Dec. 9.

Marietta attorney Thomas Mitchell on Friday said Bernal is hoping for a new hearing, where he would have legal representation.

“Our position is that he did not get a fair hearing,” Mitchell said. He questioned why the county recommended revoking Bernal’s liquor-serving permit over a first offense.

Cobb County police cited Mi Pueblo last September for serving alcohol to patrons under 21.

Police investigated the restaurant following a complaint from a parent who viewed photos posted on the social networking site of minors drinking at the restaurant.

The restaurant, located in a plaza adjacent to the Town Center at Cobb shopping center, has remained open, though it cannot serve alcohol. Signs posted by the county remind patrons that the alcohol permit has been revoked.