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La Porte council approves riverfront alcohol permit application for Blockhead LLC at 1100 Lincoln Way
Summary
The La Porte Common Council approved a resolution allowing Blockhead LLC to apply for a municipal riverfront retaileralcohol permit for on-premises sale at 1100 Lincoln Way after the cityAlcoholic Beverage Review Committee recommended the application.
The La Porte Common Council on July 21 approved a resolution clearing the way for Blockhead LLC to apply to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for a municipal riverfront retail permit for beer, wine and liquor at 1100 Lincoln Way. The action allows the mayor to certify that the applicant meets statutory requirements and permits Blockhead to file its application with the state agency.
The permit process rests on Indiana Code 7.1-3-20 and related redevelopment statutes that allow riverfront development permits within designated municipal riverfront project boundaries. Council members heard that the La Porte Alcoholic Beverage Review Committee (LA BRC) reviewed Blockhead's application and recommended approval to support downtown economic activity.
Bert Cook, identified in the meeting as mayor and executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, described the local review process: applicants first present to the riverfront committee, which recommends whether the council should move forward. Cook also thanked the Carpenters Union and John Carr for renovating the building at 1100 Lincoln Way, citing that the renovation made the project possible.
Blockhead representatives described the concept as a food-focused, family-friendly restaurant and brewing/distilling operation rather than a late-night tavern; they told the council their prior operations emphasize food and community involvement. City staff and council members said the application packet provided more detail than typical riverfront applications and that the LA BRC supported the request as a downtown economic generator.
Council members moved and seconded the resolution and voted in favor; the council recorded the motion as passed. The resolution directs the mayor to certify to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission that Blockhead LLC has met the statutory requirements for a riverfront retailer permit so the applicant may proceed with the state-level application process.
Blockhead still must complete the state licensing process with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. The council's vote authorizes the local step that allows the company to apply under the municipal riverfront development rules but does not itself issue a state liquor license.
