Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board Meeting – October 6, 2025

This meeting of the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board was held on October 6, 2025, to hear cases from Speedway, Beach Grove, Lawrence, and the rest of Marion County (Indianapolis). The board considered new applications, transfers, renewals (with and without violations), and remonstrations. The board denied the renewal of three licenses (Harem House, 31 Bar & Grill, Moon Bar) and approved numerous others. The meeting lasted from approximately 14:30 to adjournment after several hours.

Consent Calendar

• Renewals without violations approved: Ogara's Irish Pub (Johnny O's – 5022 East Main Street, Beach Grove), Thursday Turtle 2 (104 North Second Avenue, Beach Grove), and many others that were called and automatically approved when no violations were reported. The board also approved a blanket motion for all automatic renewals at the end of the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Stobb (Near Eastside Community Organization) appeared to remonstrate against Indy Supermarts at 2040 East New Washington Street, but the case was continued because a violation was still pending.
• Ron Phillips (President, Warren Township Development Association) remonstrated against King's Bakery (RR 4942841); the case was continued to November 3rd at the bakery's request.
• Taylor Schaefering (Downtown Indy) remonstrated against Moon Bar (148 East Market Street).
• Crystal Stone (representing Christ Church Cathedral) read a prepared statement opposing renewal of Moon Bar's license, citing consistent criminal activity, violence, and disturbances.
• Detective Tiffany Maston (IMPD) presented extensive evidence of violent incidents, thefts, and firearms discharged in connection with Moon Bar, including reports of assaults, shots fired, and stolen firearms from vehicles.
• Additional letters of opposition were submitted by the Cole Noble Neighborhood Association, Lockerby Square Historic Neighborhood Association, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Indiana Downtown Neighborhood Alliance.
• A letter from Evans McWigger Rust (owner of the parking lot at 145 East Wabash Street) was also read, vehemently opposing renewal of Moon Bar's permit.

Discussion Items

• New Applications:
  • Bando Korean Restaurant (8015 Penton Pike): Approved with carry-out privileges and limited separation (family dining).
  • Taco Jalisco (1707 East Minnesota Street): Approved as a small restaurant with no carry-out; owner Diana Melinda expressed commitment to being a good neighbor.
  • Levi's Kitchen (1718 Southeast Street): New application for a restaurant with a small bar; owner (translated by Laura Mena) was sworn in late and approved after confirming policies.
• Transfers:
  • Shady G Pub (11703 Pendleton Pike): Approved as a family dining sports bar; owner Greg Gendrick plans to sell the business.
  • Grindstone Charlie's (5383 Rockville Road): Approved but will require a manager's questionnaire once a tenant is found.
  • Fernando's Mexican Brazilian Cuisine (6320 Ferguson Street): Approved for a new location with capacity for 180; owner has zero violations at existing locations.
  • Whiskey Business (5220 East Southport Road): Approved with a policy of checking IDs twice (outside and at the bar).
  • Illinois Street Food Emporium (5550 North Illinois Street): Approved for new owner Matthew Willoughby; 50-year-old business with no changes planned.
  • Wild Eye Provisions / Wildfire Tent (1106 Prospect): Transfer approved after earlier violation for leftover alcohol; owner discussed plans for a future gaming room.
• Renewals with Violations:
  • Harem House (8501 Pendleton Pike): Denied. Owner Sukovindar Singh had three violations in four years (sales to minors, selling after hours, and possession of nitrous oxide). Board cited public nuisance, selling illegal substances, criminal acts, failure to follow commission rules. Vote: Unanimous denial. Case will be reviewed by the state commission on October 21st.
  • 31 Bar & Grill (3131 Shelby Street): Denied. Owner David Groves had multiple violations since 2012, including sales to intoxicated persons, public nuisance, gaming violation, expired permits, and a shooting. Board cited public nuisance and failure to follow commission rules. Vote: Unanimous denial (2-0? The transcript indicates a voice vote with all present favoring denial).
  • Moon Bar / Fusion Inc. (148 East Market Street): Denied after lengthy discussion. Board heard from remonstrators (IMPD, Downtown Indy, Christ Church Cathedral) and applicant counsel Clark Kirkman. Issues included multiple violent incidents, drug use, employees smoking, and lack of control despite security changes. Board voted 3-1 to deny (Mr. Luster dissented, citing concerns about linking car break-ins to the bar). Reasons included public nuisance, criminal acts, failure to follow rules. Case will go to state commission on October 21st.
  • Other renewals with violations approved (with conditions): Aldi #75 (5235 North Keystone Avenue), Reds Corner (2137 South Meridian Street), Vogue (6259 North College Street), Nevermore (39 Jackson Place), Slippery Noodle Inn (372 South Meridian Street), King Liquors (7302 Rockville Road), Punjabi Tadika Indian Cuisine (7035 East 96th Street), and others.
• Zoning Dispute: For Takaria La Chella (720 East 38th Street), remonstrator David Kingan argued the property is zoned D5 residential, but the board found that the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services had approved the zoning. The renewal was approved, and the remonstrator was encouraged to take the issue to the zoning department.
• J&J Promotional Group / Fusion Ultra Lounge (9439 East Washington Street): Continued to November 3rd. The owner (J&J) was not present; attorney Terrence Kennard requested a continuance to allow all parties to appear.
• Other Continuances: King's Bakery (to November 3rd), Indy Supermarts (to November 3rd, pending violation), Speedway cases (none), and several others.

Key Outcomes

• License Denials (3):
  • Harem House (8501 Pendleton Pike) – Denial upheld; state commission review scheduled for October 21st.
  • 31 Bar & Grill (3131 Shelby Street) – Denied; state commission review October 21st.
  • Moon Bar (148 East Market Street) – Denied; state commission review October 21st.
• Licenses Approved (multiple): Bando Korean, Shady G Pub, Taco Jalisco, Grindstone Charlie's, Fernando's Mexican Brazilian Cuisine, Whiskey Business, Illinois Street Food Emporium, Wild Eye Provisions, Levi's Kitchen, and numerous renewals with minor violations (Aldi, Reds Corner, Vogue, Nevermore, Slippery Noodle, King Liquors, Punjabi Tadika, etc.).
• Continuances Granted: Indy Supermarts (to Nov 3), King's Bakery (to Nov 3), J&J Promotional Group (to Nov 3), and others.
• Automatic Renewals: Approved en bloc at the end of the meeting for licenses without violations.[[5]]