Marion County Local Alcoholic Beverage Board Meeting - Nov 3, 2025

The Local Alcoholic Beverage Board of Marion County convened on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 2:30 PM to hear cases regarding new and transfer applications, renewals (with and without violations), and continuances across multiple jurisdictions including Indianapolis, Speedway, Lawrence, and Beach Grove. Chair Tyler Graves presided, emphasizing the requirement for proper documentation, including affidavits of compliance, zoning approvals, and tax clearances, as well as final inspections for new or transfer applicants. The board reviewed applications involving various businesses, some of which were continued due to missing documentation, pending investigations, or requests for more time to resolve ownership discrepancies and training requirements.

Consent Calendar

• Approved renewal for Certified Hospitality LLC (Amore Italian Kitchen and AJ Barn Grill) without violations.
• Approved renewal for Fitzgerald's Catering Corp (Fitzgerald's Lunch House) without violations.
• Approved renewal for Moose Liquors Incorporated (Moose Liquors) without violations.
• Approved renewal for El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant Number Five (Speedway) without violations.
• Approved renewal for United Skates of America (Skate Land) was withdrawn.
• Approved renewal for AstraZ, Inc. (Lincoln Square Pancake House - 3 locations) without violations.
• Approved renewal for Harmony Events Inc (The Atrium) without violations.
• Approved renewal for Greeks College LLC (Greeks Pizzeria) regarding a lapse in a gaming permit.
• Approved renewal for Indianapolis Burn LLC (Burned by Rocky Patel) was continued due to lack of applicant presence.
• Approved renewal for TGI Fridays was continued.
• Approved renewal for Midwest TGIF Inc was continued.
• Approved renewal for Indie Supermarket Inc was continued.
• Approved renewal for The Bliss Space LLC was continued.
• Approved automatic renewals for remaining routine items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Stabb, representing the Near Eastside Community Organization, testified in opposition to the Indy Supermarket application at 2040 East Washington Street. The board noted the case was continued as a pending revocation hearing.
• An unidentified remonstrant appeared against the Indianapolis Royal Order of Moose Lodge renewal, leading to a continuance to December 1st for formal notice.

Discussion Items

• Vedant Holding LLC (A1 Liquors, Beach Grove): A renewal with a violation for selling alcohol to a minor. Applicant Faraj Patel acknowledged the error was a genuine mistake after 10 years of compliance. He described implementing a mandatory ID scanner policy on the POS system that prevents transactions without a scan as a corrective measure. The board approved the renewal.
• Everest Momo House LLC: A new beer and wine license application. Chairman Graves and the board expressed concern regarding the applicant's lack of clarity on the rules, failure to list all owners on the initial application, and lack of completed owner/employee training. The applicant admitted to needing training. The board approved the application with strong caveats that strict training and compliance are mandatory.
• Zumi Group (Zumi Japanese Cuisine): A transfer application. Board member Ebony Chappelle questioned the ID checking policy (checking everyone under 40-50). The owner stated a policy to check IDs and retrain first-time offenders before termination. The board approved.
• La Tapatia (La Tapatia Restaurant): A second license renewal with a violation for purchasing alcohol from non-wholesalers. The board noted the short history (9 months) and one prior violation but expressed satisfaction with the clarification of wholesaler rules. The board approved.
• Lincoln Square Pancake House (Transfer): The applicant claimed to check IDs on 100% of patrons and maintain strict written policies. The board noted zero violations and approved.
• La Mojarra (La Mora at 404 East Thompson Street): A transfer application. Board members expressed concern regarding the applicant's intent to host late-night events (until 3 a.m.) in a location previously known as a bar, mixing families with late-night crowds. Board member Chappelle warned that controlling the environment is the owner's responsibility and security alone is insufficient. The board approved with significant warnings about maintaining order and controlling clientele.
• Girb I/Punjabi Tadka (Transfer): A violation for an expired permit and a failed ID check by an employee. The applicant admitted to a lapse in checking IDs (only checking those appearing 50+). The board approved the renewal.
• Nova Lounge (5030 Southeastern Avenue): A transfer application raised significant concerns regarding the relationship between the applicant (Wendy Singh Law), her husband (Ajmeet Singh), and the previous owner (Jay/Gun Jeet). Evidence suggested the husband had worked for the previous owner for years and was listed on reports, suggesting an attempt to bypass independent third-party ownership rules. The board denied the application, citing concerns about the lack of independent third-party relationship.
• Topus (Family Francone LLC): A transfer application involving a