Chattanooga Beer Board Meeting – March 5, 2026
Chattanooga Beer Board Meeting – March 5, 2026
The Chattanooga Beer Board met on March 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM and adjourned at 9:35 AM. The meeting included a proclamation honoring late board member Ron Smith, approval of multiple temporary beer permits, consideration of new beer applications, and affirmation of civil penalties for previous violations.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes from February 19, 2026, were approved unanimously.
- Temporary beer permits approved: TE 114 (Smart Music Project), TE 1359 (Lemongrass), TE 113 (Creative Discovery Museum’s Amused 2026 Secret Garden event), TE 115 (Smart Music Project at the Choo Choo), and TE 116 (Twilight Jewelry).
- New beer applications approved: BEER 1386 (Cabistro) and BEER 1391 (Patel Brothers, 7701 Lee Highway).
- TE 112 (Food Truck Festivals of America LLC) was left on hold by legal pending updated LLC standing with the Tennessee Secretary of State; board took no action on the item.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Anthony Pepe (owner, Food Truck Festivals of America) explained that his LLC’s letter of good standing had expired and that he submitted an updated letter the night before the meeting. Assistant City Attorney Harold DeBrison confirmed that once the paperwork is received, legal can sign off.
- Zach Wiley (City of Chattanooga Zoning Division) testified on the zoning issue for BEER 1387 (WNY Sports Bar). He noted the property at 2716 Dodson Avenue was rezoned to heavy industrial, requiring a special exception permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA). He also flagged a background check issue for the board's future consideration.
- Betsy Hartman (board member) inquired whether Mr. Mungun of Crust Pizza had submitted his renewal; Bertha confirmed the permit had been issued.
Discussion Items
- Proclamation for Ron Smith: Councilperson Jenny Burris (District 6) presented a proclamation from Mayor Tim Kelly recognizing the late board member’s 17 years of service, integrity, and dedication to balancing economic vitality, neighborhood safety, and quality of life.
- BEER 1387 (WNY Sports Bar, owner Willie Cox): The application was initially moved to the April 16 meeting to allow time for a BOZA special exception. On motion by Zach Wiley, the board reconsidered and rescheduled the item to the April 2 meeting (the day after the April 1 BOZA meeting) to expedite the process. The motion passed unanimously. The board noted that if the special exception is granted, the application will still come before the beer board due to the background check issue.
- Previous Beer Violations – Hearing Officer Rachel Hodges Recommendations:
- Dollar General: Continued to March 19, 2026, on hearing officer’s recommendation; board approved continuation.
- Cabana’s Nightclub and Event Center: Despite the establishment lacking a current beer permit, the hearing officer recommended a $1,000 civil penalty for failure to report fights under Section 5-51B. The board debated and then voted unanimously to affirm the $1,000 fine.
- Mexiville Mexican Restaurant (North Shore, 103 Cherokee): $1,000 fine affirmed.
- Mexiville Mexican Restaurant (809 Market Street): $1,000 fine affirmed.
- Chi Chi’s Char Chicken (811 Market Street): $1,000 fine affirmed.
- Previous Violation – Hearing Officer Janika Everhardt Recommendation (January 15, 2026): For Major Paper Entertainment LLC (doing business as Dream, 2308 Glass Street), the hearing officer recommended a 30-day suspension and $1,000 fine. The board noted the fine had been paid.
Key Outcomes
- All civil penalties affirmed: $1,000 each for Cabanas, two Mexiville locations, and Chi Chi’s Char Chicken. The order will require payment within seven days and will be sent via certified mail.
- BEER 1387 (WNY Sports Bar) rescheduled to the April 2, 2026 agenda, contingent on the BOZA special exception outcome.
- TE 112 (Food Truck Festivals of America) remains on hold pending legal clearance.
- The meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM.
Meeting Transcript
All right, we're going to call each other board meeting to order March 5th at 90. Oh, welcome to everybody that's here. Welcome. Thank you for coming in on the SCP. I'm asking all of me with indeed. Right for the right of meeting. And uh we are under the sunshine also because the first time we thought our processes. Number two, electronic devices, all your cell phones, iPads, Android flip phones must be turned off or muted so there's no disruption to this meeting. Please, ma'am, please. Uh lastly, if you are wishing to address the board, you must do so from the podium with Sergeant Cowan is. Uh when you come, I'm asking if you will state your name, uh speak clearly, uh, so that we can make sure that we get everything on record. Uh we will now have the approvals for a minute from February 19th, 2026, if there's approval for minutes. All right, it has been approved of by Brook, I mean, yeah, by Betsy, and second by Brooke, that the approval of a minutes for February 19, 2026 be in effect. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any nays? The eyes have it. All right. Uh, we will now have the swearing in witnesses, all individuals who will testify. Uh, would you please stand? Uh and we will get you sworn in swear or earn the testimony you give today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing's the truth. I do. All right, we thank Adam for swearing you in. Uh next on the agenda, we will call Councilperson Jenny Burris from District Six, and she would do a proclamation to honor the late board member, Mr. Ron Smith. Thank you, and welcome. Thank you, board. Um, I appreciate the the time to do so. I um I've known known Ron Smith probably since 2008 when he joined the board and was saddened to hear that he passed away unexpectedly because he served well, and I would like to present with to you all from Mayor Kelly a proclamation of recognition to Mr. Smith. Whereas the City of Chattanooga is strengthened by citizens who generously dedicate their time, experience, and leadership in public service for the benefit of others, and whereas Ron Smith faithfully served the citizens of Chattanooga for 17 years as a member of the Chattanooga Beer Board, carrying out his responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and accountability. And whereas throughout his tenure, he worked diligently to ensure the local businesses operated responsibly while thoughtfully balancing economic vitality, neighborhood safety, and the overall quality of life for residents. And whereas Ron Smith's service reflected the highest ideals of civic engagement and exemplified the spirit of collaboration, stewardship, and quiet leadership that supports effective local government. And whereas his dedication of time and expertise made a lasting and meeting meaningful impact on this governing body and on the continued responsible growth of our community. And whereas the City of Chattanooga now pauses to remember and honor Ron Smith life following his passing with gratitude for his years of service and with appreciation for the legacy he leaves behind. Now therefore, I Tim Kelly, mayor of the City of Chattanooga, do hereby recognize and honor the life, service, and memory of Ron Smith, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Chattanooga to be affixed this fifth day of March 2026. Thank you all as well for your service. A lot of people think that it doesn't go that not much goes into what you all do every day, and I understand that it does. So we appreciate you, at least from the city council, and I know from the office of the mayor that we appreciate you all being here and making the tough decisions that you all have to make every time you get together. And of course, Mr. Smith for the years of service. So thank you all very much. I hope you have a good meeting. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We thank Councilperson Jenny Birds from District 6 honoring uh faithful dedicated member Ron Smith. He will be missed. All right. All right, we'll start out with uh TE 114, which is a smart music project.
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