Lawrence City Council deliberates on liquor permit renewals amid applicant testimonies

The Alcoholic Beverage Board of Marion County convened on April 7, 2025, to address various applications and renewals concerning alcoholic beverage permits in the towns of Speedway, Beech Grove, and Lawrence. The meeting began with procedural introductions, including board members and the administration of oaths to those testifying.

The agenda commenced with remonstrators, although none were present. The board then moved to review applications, starting with Speedway. The first item was a renewal application for Daredevil Brewing Company, which was approved unanimously. Following this, the board considered a new permit for Elite Caribbean Restaurant and Bar, which required a unique two-part permit due to its classification. The applicant, Joveline Alexis, confirmed her understanding of the responsibilities associated with the license, and the board approved the application.

In Lawrence, several renewal applications were processed without violations, including Sushi House and Murphy's Pub House, all of which received unanimous approval. However, the board faced a more complex case involving Ivan Hernandez, owner of Casia Mia, who had failed to disclose past criminal records on his application. The board engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the implications of this oversight, weighing Hernandez's past against his current business operations, which had no violations. Ultimately, the board decided to grant a one-year conditional approval, emphasizing the importance of full disclosure in future applications.

The meeting concluded with additional applications from Beech Grove and Indianapolis, including a new permit for Greek's Pizzeria, which was also approved. The board reiterated the necessity for applicants to comply with all documentation requirements and to schedule inspections prior to activating their permits.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to maintaining regulatory standards while also considering the circumstances of individual applicants. The next steps involve continued scrutiny of applications and adherence to the established guidelines for alcohol licensing in Marion County.