Phoenix council denies Ash Lounge liquor license after police cite permit lapses and violent incidents

Phoenix City Council voted 9-0 on Aug. 27 to deny an application to transfer control of the liquor license for the Ash Lounge at 4516 N. 19th Avenue, following a police recommendation that the applicant did not meet statutory requirements for reliability. The motion to deny was made by Councilwoman Pastor and seconded; the council recorded unanimous support for the denial.

Police officials told the council the case raised public-safety and regulatory concerns that justified denial. The council heard that officers and investigators documented multiple violent events at the site, state liquor investigations and operation as an adult-use establishment without a valid city use permit.

Officer Craig Mays of the Desert Horizon Precinct told the council, "The recommendation is based on our investigation that has led us to believe the applicant is not capable, qualified, and reliable as required by Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 4-202." Commander Lauren Brewer introduced the department witnesses and said the precinct recommended denial.

The p…