Chattanooga Beer Board Meeting Summary - April 16, 2026

The Chattanooga Beer Board convened on April 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. to consider beer permit applications, violations, and enforcement matters. The meeting included approvals, deferrals due to pending inspections, a discussion of previous violations, and a lengthy debate over an executive order and its impact on a cited establishment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of April 2, 2026: Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Temporary Beer Permits Approved by Regulatory:
  • Association for Visual Arts – Four Bridges Art Festival (Sarah Moore, organizer; 1801 Reggie White Boulevard; multiple dates).
  • Smart Music Project Chocolate (Robert Davis, organizer; 20 Chuchu Avenue; April 25th).
  • Chattanooga Concessions and Catering LLC (Denise Fryer, owner; 2632 Pipeway; Beer 1389).
  • CCBC Foundry District LLC d/b/a Creature Comforts Brewing Company (Adam Bucham, owner; 2666 Pipeway; Beer 1404).
• New Temporary Beer Permit Applications Approved by Regulatory:
  • Creative Discovery Museum – Drink and Discover (TE 129).
  • Tennessee River Gorge Trust – Another Gorgeous Evening (Alicia Hickson, organizer; 3104 Scenic Waters Lane).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sergeant David Cowan (Chattanooga Police Department): Addressed a complaint about Shady’s Corner, reporting that from July 31, 2024, to July 31, 2025, police issued 721 citations (moving violations, parking violations, warnings), towed 65 illegally parked vehicles, and responded to 394 calls for service (most frequently for improperly parked autos). He stated that officers continue to patrol the area and that Shady’s has been receptive to noise complaints.
• Eddie Davis (Tri-Star Beverage): Presented a letter from the mayor’s office (via Aaron, GM of Champions) asserting that Champions could sell beer under an executive order. He sought the board’s opinion on whether the letter authorized sales despite a pending citation.

Discussion Items

• Beer Permit Applications:
  • Hatch Outfitters LLC (Beer 1394): Passed to May 7, 2026, meeting (background check in progress).
  • Vision Hospitality Management LLC d/b/a Barfield and Suites (Beer 1369; 40 Starview Lane): Passed to May 7, 2026, or regulatory approval (on hold by building).
  • Banazakra Enterprise Inc. d/b/a MAPCO #863 (Beer 1401; 6120 Highway 58): Applicant Mohammed Jamil testified the building inspection item was fixed and awaiting re-inspection. Building signed off that morning; now in legal review. Passed to May 7, 2026, or regulatory approval.
  • Palo Dura Presents LLC d/b/a Chattanooga Market (Beer 1402; 1801 Reggie White Boulevard): Applicant Chris Thomas stated the permit expired December 2024 due to a missed email renewal. He noted the venue is city-owned and that in the past building inspection was not required for outdoor events. The board deferred to May 7, 2026, or regulatory approval after building and legal sign-off.
  • Council Fire Club Inc. (Beer 1403; 100 Council Fire Drive): Applicant Frank Proctor stated the fire marshal had approved, but the application was on hold by building (inspector unavailable due to staff shortage). Deferred to May 7, 2026, or regulatory approval. Zach (city staff) abstained from the vote; motion passed 5-0.
  • Ginny’s Seafood at Cambridge LLC (Beer 1403; 6011 Chesterton Way, Unit 103): Applicant Quan Chen was told the application was on hold by building, but staff confirmed approvals from building and legal. The beer permit was approved.
• Previous Beer Violation Report (Hearing Officer Rachel Hodges, February 19, 2026): Four fines of $1,000 each were recommended: (1) Cabana’s Night Club & Event Center (telephone reports of disorder), (2) Mexiville Mexican Restaurant (operating without a beer permit), (3) Chi Cheese Chicken LLC d/b/a Chi Cheese on Market Street (operating without a beer permit), and (4) Cabana’s (operating without a beer permit). Jesus Serrano appeared to pay all four fines. The board debated whether an executive order (see below) might retroactively waive the “operating without a permit” fines. The board decided to accept payment for the disorder citation but deferred decision on the other three pending legal clarification.
• Executive Order 2603 (Temporary Enforcement Amnesty): The board extensively discussed an executive order issued March 31, 2026, granting a 15-day amnesty (extendable) for businesses with expired beer permits to continue selling while their applications are pending, provided they had a valid permit at some point since January 1, 2024, and submitted a complete application. A letter from the mayor’s office (Chris Anderson) specifically cited Champions (MLK location) as eligible. Members expressed concern that the order was not widely publicized and may have given Champions special treatment. The board agreed to invite Chris Anderson to the May 7, 2026, meeting for direct testimony.

Key Outcomes

• Beer Permits Approved: Creature Comforts Brewing Company (Beer 1404), Ginny’s Seafood (Beer 1403).
• Beer Permit Deferrals (to May 7, 2026, or regulatory approval): Hatch Outfitters (1394), Vision Hospitality (1369), MAPCO #863 (1401), Chattanooga Market (1402), Council Fire Club (1403).
• Violation Payment: $1,000 fine for Cabana’s (disorder citation) was accepted; payment for three “operating without a permit” fines was deferred pending legal review of executive order retroactivity.
• Executive Order Clarification: The board voted to invite Chris Anderson (mayor’s office) to the May 7, 2026, meeting to explain the executive order and its applicability to pending violations.
• Meeting Adjourned: Motion passed unanimously.