Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board Hearing – February 2, 2026

On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board convened at 14:30 UTC to hear new applications, transfers, renewals, and violation cases for establishments in Indianapolis, Lawrence, Speedway, and Beach Grove. President Tyler Graves presided. The meeting was broadcast live on Channel 16 and included sworn testimony from all applicants and remonstrators.

Consent Calendar

• Renewals Without Violations were approved by unanimous consent for: Gas Garage Inc. (4601 Shayland Avenue) and other uncontested renewals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Dobb appeared as a remonstrator against Rajuru Inc. (3801 East New York Street), a renewal without violation. The board continued the case to March and will notify the applicant.

Discussion Items

• New Applications (City of Lawrence)

  • Blue Lagoon LLC (11705 Pendleton Pike) – The applicant lacked a required zoning affidavit. The board granted a one-hour recess to obtain it, but the case was ultimately continued to the next month.
  • Hunter's N D L L C (8150 Pendleton Pike) – Proposed a new sports bar called Hunter's Pub on a vacant car lot. The applicant plans to demolish and rebuild within 18 months. The board approved the permit, noting the property will go into escrow until construction is complete.
  • Laola Azul Restaurante (2211 South Kentucky Avenue) – The owner had previous licenses without violations. The board approved a restaurant permit for a 90‑seat establishment with family dining and no bar.
  • Montgomery Restaurant LLC (1060 North Capital Avenue) – First‑time applicant for a two‑way license for a cafe serving coffee, sandwiches, and dinner. Approved unanimously.
  • Smoky Waters LLC (5130 West 38th Street) – New 210 permit for a barbecue restaurant with a 40‑seat bar, open 11 AM–1 AM, food‑focused. Approved.
  • Full bar restaurant (864 Bar) (3661 West 86th Street) – Owner Clarzita Clausen plans a Caribbean/Haitian restaurant with a 21‑and‑over bar after 9 PM. Security will check IDs. Approved.
  • King's Bakery (10069 East Washington Street) – The applicant’s mother had prior violations for selling alcohol and tobacco without a license, as well as selling pharmaceuticals. The board expressed concern about the applicant’s independence but ultimately approved, warning him that any future violation could lead to revocation.
  • Restaurante Guatemalteco (3737 East Washington Street) – The application was denied 3–0 because the owner was not on the lease and a person on the lease (Abner) had criminal convictions disqualifying him from holding a permit.

• Transfer Applications

  • L Phoenix, Texas Mexican LLC (10625 Pendleton Pike) – Transfer of ownership for a Tex‑Mex restaurant. The owner, with nine years of operating experience and no violations, stated the venue will remain food‑focused and not become a nightclub. Approved.
  • S and E P L L C (6331 Guilford Avenue) – Landlord acquiring a license for a future restaurant tenant. The board approved, reminding the landlord of his ultimate responsibility for permit compliance.
  • Maeva Nightclub Inc. (El Chispas) (3890 Lafayette Road) – Transfer from a previous operator with a history of minor loitering. The new owner has managed the premises since July 2025 without incidents, uses private security, and checks IDs at the door. Approved, with a recommendation to meet with IMPD.

• Renewal Violations and Compliance

  • Lincoln Square Pancake House (5648 East Washington Street) – A new employee served a minor without checking ID. The employee was terminated, and the company implemented stricter tracking of employee permits. Approved.
  • DNN L L C (DN Lickers) (2702 Westmore Street) – Two violations: missing tobacco signage (due to a door replacement) and expired employee permits. Both were corrected; the owner now requires permits before an employee starts. Approved.
  • Circle Block Hotel LLC (Conrad Indianapolis) (50 West Washington) – A manager’s employee permit had expired for nearly two years. The manager was replaced, and the hotel now uses a 60‑day calendar reminder for all permits. Approved.
  • KJ Petroleum Inc. (BS Food Mart) (3018 North German Church) – Missing required signage (no‑smoking and permit posting). Signs were posted immediately after the citation. Approved.
  • Ginny B L L C (OB's Pub) (2102 North Midhoffer) – Violation for serving alcohol after hours (a bartender served a waitress at 3:13 AM) and smoking inside. Employees were suspended, and the owner installed 24 cameras to monitor compliance. Approved.
  • Served after hours violation (downtown suite) – The owner suspended the bartender and instituted a policy of last call 15 minutes before closing. Also cited for expired/absent employee permits and training certificates. The board approved for one year, citing management and record‑keeping issues.
  • Milo Entertainment LLC (The Red Room) (902 East Westville Boulevard) – Failed to provide minimum food service items when requested by an undercover officer. The owner now keeps a menu behind the bar. Approved.
  • B15 Inc. (B15 Inc.) (15 Beachway Drive) – An employee sold beer to an underage agent. The employee was terminated; the company is upgrading its POS system to require ID scanning. Approved.
  • INH Investment LLC (Morning Breakfast and Brunch) (2654 Lake Circle Drive) – Multiple violations: a 19‑year‑old on a restricted permit served alcohol, a new employee served a minor, and manager permits were not properly tracked. The owner implemented a spreadsheet system. Approved for one year (probationary).
  • Cornet Hospitality (Fusion Grill and Bar) (2930 Waterfront Parkway West Drive) – A child was observed sitting at the bar. The bartender stated it was “not uncommon.” The owner was given a one‑year probation, with instructions to post clear signage and train staff.
  • P42 Inc. (Liquor Cabinet Number Two) (4201 Post Road) – A pending violation for serving a minor was continued because the Lawrence representative had left. The renewal will be heard in March.
  • Rock Lobster (Core of Indiana Enterprises Inc.) – Two violations: one paid for an employee permit issue, and another pending for reputation/character involving a former owner. Continued to March pending resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: All new applications, transfers, and renewals listed above were approved by the board, with two exceptions.
• Denial: Restaurante Guatemalteco was denied 3–0 due to lease and disqualification issues.
• Probationary Renewals: Three establishments (INH Investment LLC, Fusion Grill and Bar, and a downtown suite operator) were granted only one‑year renewals due to multiple or serious violations.
• Continuances: Several cases were continued to the March 2, 2026 meeting pending documentation or resolution of pending violations.
• Next Steps: Applicants with approved permits must schedule a final inspection with Excise Officer Amy Sunier before the permit becomes active. All parties were reminded that excise officers may enter and inspect premises without a warrant at any time.