Local Alcoholic Beverage Board Meeting - January 5, 2026

The Local Alcoholic Beverage Board of Marion County convened on Monday, January 5, 2026, to review 27 cases, including new applications, license transfers, renewals, and violations across Indianapolis, Lawrence, Speedway, and Beach Grove. President Tyler Graves presided, with board members Ebony Chappelle, Peter Luster, and Secretary Amy Sunier. The meeting addressed significant administrative errors regarding sign posting and tax clearances, while board members emphasized internal control improvements for licensees with repeated violations. A contentious hearing occurred regarding the Indianapolis Lodge 17 renewal, where neighbors expressed strong opposition over noise but lacked specific violations for the board to deny the application.

Consent Calendar

• Approvals of renewals without violation for: Walmart Super Center (10735 Pendleton Pike), L Pal Marcito Mexican Restaurant (8345 Pelton Pike), Racetrack (7612 Pendleton Pike), Pure Wine and Spirits (9743 Fall Creek Road), Napoli Villa Restaurant (758 Main Street), and Chicago's Pizza (6321 Crawford's Mill Road).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Noise and Nuisance Concerns: Residents Wesley Colotta and Richard Maddox (7135 East 14th Street), representing a group of neighbors, vehemently opposed the renewal of the Indianapolis Lodge Number 17 Loyal Order of the Moose permit. They presented a position of strong opposition, citing seven years of noise disturbances, 115 IMPD runs (mostly for noise and weapons), and vibration issues from the pavilion. They argued the business management was negligent and that the permit should be denied to protect residential peace.
• Board Response to Opposition: President Graves and the board maintained they could not deny the renewal without evidence of specific violations tied to the application. They acknowledged the neighbors' complaints but noted the lack of specific excise violations or violation reports on the board's docket for the current owner, and stated the lodge was currently non-operating.
• Administrative Frustrations: Mr. Luster pointed out that the board could not subvert zoning issues, while a neighbor suggested the board was simply a "rubber stamp," prompting a discussion on the board's authority to recommend denials to the state based on evidence provided.

Discussion Items

• Night Owl Saloon and Grill (3535 South Emerson Avenue): Owner Jessica Kennedy explained a policy violation where a minor was served due to the owner being distracted while bartending. The owner accepted full responsibility, stating a position of commitment to change by ceasing bartending duties and focusing solely on management or remaining focused when serving.
• Big Tube Art Space (1146 Nelson Avenue): Representatives discussed the concept of a civic center license for an artist colony, detailing plans for an amphitheater and event spaces. They affirmed adherence to ID checks and explained plans for food service and security monitoring to prevent alcohol consumption outside designated areas.
• King's Bakery (10069 East Washington Street): The application was continued for a second time, with the board granting one final continuance request as required by board practice.
• Sign Posting Enforcement: The board unanimously adopted a strict enforcement stance on advertising signs. Multiple applicants (Maiva Nightclub, Just Winging It, P&G Hospitality, Sincer) were continued because signs were either not visible, fell down, or were posted on mirrored windows. President Graves stated, "If I'm intentionally looking for it and don't see it, then it's not serving its purpose," and warned that failure to have a visible sign results in a continuance.
• Management and Compliance Issues: Several licensees, including Garfield Post Realty Corp (American Legion Post 88), Liquor Cabinet Number Five, MCO Inc., and Fat Dance Delhi, were discussed regarding management failures. Representatives for Liquor Cabinet and MCO Inc. expressed positions of accepting responsibility for operational lapses like missing employee permit copies, expired posted permits, and improper credit tab handling. The board noted frequency of violations at Fat Dance Delhi and The Pub Indianapolis as a management issue.
• TGI Fridays (3502 E 86th Street): Attorney Clark Kirkman clarified that the location is closed but is currently in the process of transferring the permit, and the board approved the renewal to facilitate this transfer.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approvals: New applications and renewals were approved for Big Tube Art Space, Circle City Whiskey Company, Gotra 72 Properties (King Liquors), Flick International Corporation, Angus Partners LLC (Burger Hubs), and TNT Enterprises (held pending tax clearance).
• Violations and Denials: Speedway LLC (Speedway #5525) was denied based on repeated failures to attend hearings after multiple continuances.
• Conditional Approvals:
  • The Pub Indianapolis (Ben Bars Inc.): Approved with a one-year renewal, citing a pattern of frequent violations as a management issue.
  • Fat Dance Delhi: Approved with a one-year renewal due to the frequency and nature of its violations.
  • Night Owl Saloon: Renewal approved with a warning.
  • Garfield Post Realty Corp: Renewal approved after explaining internal control fixes regarding alcohol purchasing.
• Continuances: The following were continued to February due to missing paperwork, non-compliant signs, or pending tax clearances: Maiva Nightclub, Just Winging It, Burchuka Hospitality Group, Antejito's Hondurino's Tia Vilma Group, Sincer, American Legion Post 88 (tax issue), Saraga International Grocery, Lincoln Square Pancake House (needs manager questionnaires submitted), and Gresh Time Farmers Market (compliance check).
• Renewal of Moose Lodge: The renewal for Indianapolis Lodge Number 17 was approved despite public opposition, as the board lacked specific violations to justify denial in the absence of current operation or legal grounds.