Chattanooga Beer Board Meeting – January 15, 2026

The Chattanooga Beer Board met on January 15, 2026, at 1:55 PM (local time?) to consider several beer permit applications and address compliance issues. The meeting began with approval of the January 8, 2026 minutes, followed by reports on applications approved by regulatory staff, and then consideration of new applications. Notable discussions centered on expired permits at multiple businesses owned by the same applicant and the need for building inspection sign-offs for new applicants.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved unanimously for the January 8, 2026 meeting.
• Beer Applications Approved by Regulatory: Nathan Benford LLC (beer license 1365, change of ownership) and Vision Hospitality Management LLC dba Holiday Inn Express and Suites Chattanooga downtown (beer number 1381) were both approved by regulatory staff. No additional items were on the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Cabanas Nightclub and Event Center LLC (Application 1378): The applicant, Jesus Esquivel (also known as Jesus Sosa), sought a beer permit for 1800 Rossville Avenue Unit 10 under a change of ownership. Officer Cowan reported that the applicant’s other businesses (Chi Chi’s, Mexiville, and a location at 423) had expired beer permits (expired December 31, 2024, per the system, but the applicant stated they expired in December 2025). The applicant admitted to continuing to sell beer at Chi Chi’s and Mexiville despite expired permits. He also acknowledged that his national background check was incomplete, and that his ownership percentage differed from what was listed on prior applications. The board indicated that citations would be issued for the expired permits. A motion to pass the application to the next meeting was made by Zach Axley, seconded by JW Cole, and passed unanimously (Christy, Brooke, Veronica, JW, Betsy, Zach, and the chair all voted yes). The board also requested that Mr. Sosa attend the next meeting.
• BJ’s Wholesale Club (Application – New): David Shaw of BJ’s Wholesale Club presented plans for a new wholesale club at 401 Northgate Mall Drive. The application was pending building inspection sign-off. Board member Zach indicated that a certificate of occupancy existed but communication with the building inspector was needed. The board explained that once building approval is entered, the regulatory unit will automatically approve the permit without further board action.
• Concord Hospitality Enterprise Company LLC (Timestry Collection Oculus – Hotel): Kelly Helton described a 148-room Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel at 736 Rock Street, with a rooftop bar (Iris) and a basement speakeasy (The Vault). The application also lacked building inspection sign-off. The board clarified that beer sales at multiple outlets within the same building should be noted on the application. Again, automatic approval would follow building sign-off.
• Expired Permit Violations: During the Cabanas discussion, it was revealed that the applicant’s other businesses (Chi Chi’s, Mexiville) had beer permits expired since December 2024 (or 2025 per the applicant). The applicant admitted to selling beer at those locations after expiration. The board emphasized that it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew permits, and that citations would be issued. Officer Cowan noted that citations would be brought to a future beer board agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Continue Cabanas Application: Passed unanimously to the next beer board meeting, pending completion of the national background check and clarification of ownership.
• Building Sign-Off Required: Both BJ’s Wholesale Club and the Concord Hospitality hotel applications were tabled until building inspection approval is entered in the system; they will then be automatically approved by regulatory staff.
• Fine Received: The board noted that a $1,000 violation fine check from Cabanas had been received.
• Citations Expected: The board indicated that citations for selling beer without a valid permit at Chi Chi’s and Mexiville will be issued and appear on a future agenda.
• Adjournment: The main meeting was adjourned by motion (JW Cole, seconded by Betsy) to immediately begin a separate violation hearing.