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TLC suspends one sightseeing permit for Nashville Ultimate Party Bus after enforcement citations showing standing, drinking and music
Summary
NDOT enforcement officers issued multiple citations showing a sightseeing-permitted vehicle being operated as a party bus (passengers standing, music and drinking). The TLC found the operator in violation and suspended one sightseeing permit for 30 days.
The Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission found that Nashville Ultimate Party Bus operated a vehicle permitted for seated sightseeing as a party bus and voted to suspend one sightseeing permit for 30 days.
NDOT compliance inspectors presented three citations issued in March–April 2025 documenting incidents in which passengers were standing, dancing and holding cups on a vehicle displaying a seated sightseeing permit. Inspectors submitted video and still images and testified under oath that they observed standing passengers and apparent alcohol containers during the cited events.
Owner Heather Cormier testified under oath and said she instructs staff to keep passengers seated and that her business had been steered into a sightseeing permit category during earlier rule changes; she said the company continued to receive harassment complaints from downtown residents and described long-term economic effects from prior regulatory changes. The owner acknowledged the company had received citations but contested some factual points and argued for mitigation.
Commissioners weighed enforcement priorities and precedent and agreed staff had presented sufficient evidence to find a violation of TLC rule 804(b) (operating a seated sightseeing permit as an entertainment vehicle). The commission then considered sanctions and voted to suspend one sightseeing permit for 30 days; one commissioner abstained from the sanction vote. Staff said repeat violations would prompt more severe action, and the company told the commission it will implement a new booking and operations plan to require seating and reduce future violations.
The suspension was limited to a single sightseeing permit (the company retains other permits) and will be reflected in the written order prepared by staff.
