New Orleans Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Meeting - August 24, 2026

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABO Board) met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to hear two appeals regarding alcoholic beverage permits and to ratify the results of a sales tax hearing. Both appeals involved zoning issues that the city attorney argued were outside the board's jurisdiction. The board voted to refer both matters to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The meeting lasted approximately [duration not specified in transcript] and included statements from business owners, their attorneys, and city officials.

Consent Calendar

• Ratification of 8-24-26 Sales Tax Hearing: The board unanimously approved judgments and consent judgments for multiple permittees, including amounts ranging from $250 to $3,900, with payment deadlines within 30–60 days. Specific cases: Hearing #19-26 TX (Patio 17 LLC, $2,050 payable in 60 days); #26-26 TX (Tony's Historic Park Bar and Lounge, $1,300/60 days); #28-26 TX (Bar and Grove d/b/a The Island, $900/60 days); #34-26 TX (237 Decatur d/b/a Australia, continued to Dec 29); #37-26 TX (Nola Cheers d/b/a The 337, consent $600 due by Sept 21); #45-26 TX (301 Royal d/b/a Carrier, continued to Oct 2026); #48-26 TX (522 Restaurant d/b/a Bywater American Bistro, $1,200/60 days); #51-26 TX (Karamata 365 Group d/b/a Brassa, continued to Oct 23); #52-26 TX (The Spot Bar and Hookah Lounge, $800/45 days); #54-26 TX (1600 Basin, consent $250 due Sept 21); #55-26 TX (Good Luck 2021 LLC d/b/a J and Y Food and Gas, consent $3,900 satisfied); #56-26 TX ($4,600 due by Aug 11); #57-26 TX (consent $3,600 paid); #58-26 TX (NOLA Inc. d/b/a Diane X and Two, consent $400 due Sept 18); #59-26 TX (Sun Food d/b/a Di Anzin X, consent $400 due Sept 18); #60-26 TX (Miel Brewing Company d/b/a Miel Brewing and Taproom, consent $400 due Sept 11); #61-26 TX (Empire State Delicatessan d/b/a Empire State Delicatessen, consent $400 due Sept 14); #62-26 TX ($500 due Sept 12); #63-26 TX ($400 due Sept 12); #64-26 TX (Beach Bumber LLC d/b/a Beach Bum Berries Latitude 29, continued to Oct 23); and Joe Catering LLC d/b/a Ilmarcado (consent $3,850 due Sept 23).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shamrock Bar & Grill Appeal: Brian Colvay, owner, described progress on 48 code violations that led to the city shutting down the business. He stated that after a reinspection by four NOFD and two State Fire Marshal inspectors, violations were reduced to eight, and he had obtained estimates for handrails and doors within two to six weeks. He also noted that the city renewed his ABO permit in 2025 despite the closure, and that a city official later admitted that renewal was a mistake. The property landlord, Mr. Heeby, and attorney David Halpern expressed support, stating the business had 30 pool tables and was an asset to the community. They argued the closure was due to city actions, not voluntary renovation, and requested additional time to reopen.
• Numbers (Tranica Tobias) Appeal: Tranica Tobias, owner of Numbers at 3735 Ulloa Street, stated she had spent six months going back and forth with Safety and Permits, following all instructions, but faced repeated obstacles. She noted that previous tenants had obtained permits without issue. She was referred to a contact named Chris Young but had not yet resolved the zoning matter.
• Nancy M. Green: The agenda listed a communication from Nancy M. Green, property owner and landlord of 1535 Basin Street (Frital, LLC), but she was not present at the meeting; no testimony was taken.

Discussion Items

• Shamrock Bar & Grill (Item 1): The city attorney argued that the board lacks jurisdiction because the permit denial was based on a zoning issue—loss of non-conforming use after 180 days of closure (per CZO Section 25.3.C). The city maintained that the proper venue is the BZA or CPC to reinstate non-conforming use or obtain a conditional use permit. Board member and former CPC chair Clifton Davis questioned the process, noting that the board cannot bypass BZA procedures and community notice requirements. Colvay countered that the city misled him by renewing the permit in 2025, causing financial losses exceeding $400,000, and that he was directed to the ABO board in June without mention of BZA. Safety and Permits representative Philip read the relevant CZO section. The board ultimately concluded it could not grant the permit and voted to refer the matter to BZA.
• Numbers (Item 2): The city attorney explained that the ABO application was denied due to an unpermitted deck built across lot lines (3735 and 3731 Ulloa). A permit for the deck was submitted in May 2020 but closed out without approval. The business currently holds a temporary ABO valid through October 28, 2026, allowing continued operation as a restaurant. The city recommended going through BZA or CPC for either re-subdivision or removal of the deck. Board members noted that both the business owner and property owner share responsibility. The board discussed that the owner could still appeal to BZA within the window.<br>- Ratification of Sales Tax Hearing (Item 4): The board heard the recommended judgments from the August 24, 2026 sales tax hearing and voted to ratify them unanimously.<br>- Communication from Nancy Green (Item 3): No discussion due to absence.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Refer Shamrock Appeal to BZA: Passed (unanimous: 4-0 as recorded; full tally not specified). The board determined it lacked authority over zoning matters and directed the appellant to pursue relief through the Board of Zoning Appeals or City Planning Commission for non-conforming use or conditional use permit.
• Motion to Refer Numbers Appeal to BZA: Passed (unanimous). The board denied the appeal of the ABO denial and referred the matter to BZA for resolution of the deck and lot line issues. The temporary ABO remains in effect until October 28, 2026, allowing the restaurant to continue operating in the interim.
• Ratification of Sales Tax Hearing: Motion carried unanimously, approving all listed judgments and continuations.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after the consent agenda.