The Knoxville Beer Board on July 22, 2025 agreed to rehear the permit application for Knoxville Sport Bar and Lounge after licensing staff said documents submitted by the applicant contradicted the ownership information on the application's June filing.

The board set the matter for rehearing at its next monthly meeting and directed the applicant to provide proof to the Business Tax Office and for the applicant’s attorney to contact licensing staff to clarify ownership and background‑check responsibilities before the rehearing.

Applicant Byron Ponce told the board that he had already paid for the business. When board members and staff pressed for documentary proof and clarity about other partners, Mr. Ponce said, “Yeah. But, it's already mine. I already paid for.”

Mr. Frost, a licensing staff member, told the board the buy‑sell agreement arrived the day before and showed two additional business partners and a payout schedule that did not match Ponce’s June application, which listed him as the sole owner. Frost said the other partners named in the recent paperwork were not on the application and had not completed fingerprint or background checks required by the board. Frost told members, “The only information we have is contradictory. Mister Ponce on his application in June claims he's 100% owner. The information that he provided just yesterday, shows that there are 2 other business partners in this.”

Board members agreed the application was not ready to proceed. The board voted to rehear the application at the next meeting and instructed Mr. Ponce to provide proof of ownership to Mr. Byrd in the Business Tax Office and to have his attorney contact Mr. Frost to coordinate next steps. During the hearing counsel identified himself as Stan Young and provided office and cell numbers in the public record for follow-up with staff.

No final permit was issued at the July 22 meeting; the board recorded the motion to rehear as carried with the board announcing, “Ayes have it.”