Chattanooga Beer Board Meeting Summary - February 19, 2026

Meeting called to order at 13:55. The board addressed several beer permit applications, renewals, and violations. Key actions included denial of a new permit due to background check inconsistencies, deferral of two applications, and approval of a late renewal under extenuating circumstances.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 5, 2026): Unanimously approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment on Portal Issues: A speaker (affiliated with the denied Cabanas application) addressed the board, stating that the online renewal portal had caused problems for multiple applicants. He noted that he had served beer without a permit for a year and was closed for six months, but acknowledged the board's distinction regarding proactive compliance. He requested consideration of a TBI background check for the Cabanas case, but the permit had already been denied. The board clarified that a new application would be required.
• Second Public Comment: A second individual approached the podium but was directed to the upcoming hearing portion of the meeting; no remarks were made.

Discussion Items

• Deferred Application (Unnamed, Event in Late March): The board deferred an application to the next meeting due to unresolved legal and zoning issues. Motion passed unanimously (8-0).
• Cabanas Night Club and Event Center (Beer 1378 – New Permit): The applicant, Mr. Serrano, sought a new beer permit after operating without one since December 2024. Sergeant Cowan reported multiple inconsistencies in the FBI background check, including conflicting Social Security numbers, a non-existent Georgia ID, and differing race and citizenship listings. The applicant explained a past identity theft issue and a new Social Security number. Board members expressed concerns about reliability and credibility. A motion to deny the permit passed 6-2 (Zach and chair voting no; Christy, Brooke, Veronica, JW, Reginald, Betsy voting yes). The permit was denied, but the applicant may reapply.
• Lemongrass Tie (Application): Held by building department; deferred to next meeting unanimously.
• The Dream – 30-Day Suspension and $1,000 Fine: The board reviewed the hearing officer's recommendation from January 15, 2026. The fine had not been paid. Discussion centered on notification methods: the order was mailed via regular mail on February 9, but the board questioned whether the 7-day payment window had started. The board noted that the suspension period begins at the meeting. The city attorney's office is implementing certified mail and email notification for future orders. No action taken; informational only.
• Crust Pizza (Ragibsinan Mungan – Renewal Request): The permit expired December 31, 2025. The applicant stated he tried to renew online but encountered system issues, and a family death delayed action. He stopped selling beer on January 1. The board noted problems with the online portal. A motion to allow renewal within 30 days passed 6-0-1 (JW abstained; Christy, Brooke, Veronica, Reginald, Betsy, chair voting yes). The applicant was advised to work with the treasurer's office to complete payment.

Key Outcomes

• Denied: Cabanas Night Club and Event Center (Beer 1378) – new permit denied (6-2). Applicant may reapply.
• Deferred: Unnamed application (legal/zoning issues) – moved to next meeting. Lemongrass Tie – deferred to next meeting.
• Approved: Crust Pizza – renewal allowed within 30 days (6-0-1).
• Notification Process: The board directed the city attorney's office to use certified mail and email for all future orders and citations, effective immediately.