Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board Hearing

The Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board, presided over by President Tyler Graves, convened on November 2, 2026, in Indianapolis to hear cases involving liquor license applications, transfers, renewals, and violations from Speedway, Beech Grove, Lawrence, and the rest of Marion County. Representing the town of Speedway was Mr. Robert Staten and representing Lawrence was Mr. Jim Hennigan. Officer Sunier administered the oath to all testifying.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals were passed unanimously for several establishments in Speedway (McGillery Speedway, Foyt's Wine Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill) and Lawrence (Winding Ridge Golf Course, BP Mark, Moose Liquors 2).
• The renewal for Hoosier Mart (DL4930251) was approved to facilitate a pending transfer to new owners, despite the current owners failing to appear and a recorded compliance check violation.
• A block of automatic renewals for establishments without any violations was approved en masse at the conclusion of the hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The board called for individuals who had come to remonstrate. Kristen Jaden requested a continuance for the "Family Station" permit, citing late notification to a neighborhood organization, and subsequently departed the hearing.
• The Stadium Village Business Association (SVBA) formally submitted a letter of support for the Amber Wolf Food & Beverage (The Patron Saint) application. A representative spoke in support, confirming SVBA was working with the applicants on exterior improvements and would relay information to its membership.

Discussion Items

New Applications and Transfers:

• Encore Ultra Lounge (RR4944513): First-time applicant Cory Simmons, represented by attorney Clark Kirkman, described a comprehensive security plan featuring a retired IMPD officer and ID scanners for the upcoming Cajun Creole sports lounge operating until late hours. Board members emphasized the importance of security in the high-profile downtown location and urged strict adherence to the proposed business model. Approved.
• The Patron Saint / Amber Wolf Food & Beverage (RR4944517): New owners Jillian Garvis and Jason Steiber detailed a multi-layered ID checking and security system for the rebranded establishment and a strict compliance policy. A letter of support from the SVBA was read into the record. Approved.
• Quality Liquors / BCD Inc. (DL493146): The appearing witness could not describe the business's policies on checking IDs or its compliance history. The board expressed significant frustration with the owner's lack of knowledge and continued the case to the next month.
• Recess LLC (RR4943915): Matcha cafe and event space qualifying for a restaurant permit with limited evening alcohol service. Approved.
• West India Event Center / Lopi at Rooms LLC (CH4930199): Ownership faced severe violations including a shooting in the parking lot (19-year-old victim, 20 rounds recovered), operation by an unauthorized manager, and unauthorized alcohol purchases. The board found owners lacked control and understanding of regulations. A motion to deny the renewal was made and seconded.

Renewals with Violations:

• Daddy Jacks (RR4903771): Longtime owner Jim Thompson addressed paperwork failures, including failure to disclose a conviction and an unauthorized alcohol purchase. The board noted a pattern of "slippage" but approved a one-year renewal to ensure closer oversight.
• Soriano's Mexican Restaurant (RR4934488): Violations stemmed from purchasing alcohol outside the authorized wholesaler channel and having an unlocked customer-accessible cooler. Approved for a one-year renewal due to concerns over operational awareness.
• Blue Diamond Banquet Hall (RR4936035): Violations related to alcohol sales outside the permitted channel and hosting a promoter with a history of violence. Approved for a one-year renewal with a strong recommendation to create consistent vetting contracts for renters.
• One More Lounge / Thirsty Friends of Indy (RR4940482): After violations for marijuana use on the patio and food requirements, the owners detailed new zero-tolerance policies and employee training. Approved for a one-year renewal.
• Pure Passion / TMMT Entertainment (RR4939444): An adult entertainment premise with 17 total violations related to anti-human trafficking paperwork and alcohol procurement. The board acknowledged significant management changes and improved compliance despite the extensive history. Approved over a single dissenting vote.

Key Outcomes

• Renewal Denied: The West India Event Center renewal was denied. The case will be referred to the state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) for a final determination.
• One-Year Renewals Granted: Daddy Jacks, Soriano's Mexican Restaurant, Blue Diamond Banquet Hall, One More Lounge were given one-year terms.
• Cases Continued: Quality Liquors, Family Station, Rabbit Hole, Metro Market, Tacos Locos, and several others were continued to the next meeting due to missing documentation, lack of appearance, or failure to complete requirements.
• New Licenses and Transfers Approved: Encore Ultra Lounge, Amber Wolf Food & Beverage (The Patron Saint), Recess LLC, Takaria Jarochos, Holiday Inn Express Southeast, and others were approved.
• President Tyler Graves reminded all applicants that final inspections are their responsibility and must be scheduled directly with the board.