Knoxville Beer Board approves multiple event permits, denies Sports Bar application amid ownership concerns

The Knoxville Beer Board on Aug. 19, 2025, approved a series of special-event and retail beer permits, postponed three applications at the applicants' request, extended two applications to later meetings, and unanimously denied the application for Knoxville Sports Bar and Lounge after board members and staff said ownership documentation was unclear.

The actions took place at a regularly scheduled Beer Board meeting in Knoxville. Board members approved routine special-event permits for several community festivals and block parties, granted retail and on‑premises permits where files were complete or pending final documentation, and directed one applicant to resolve ownership paperwork before reapplying.

The board also heard an administrative update from finance staff: “The beer fund stands at $251,000,” said Mr. Johnson. The chair noted the fund can pay hearing expenses under Section 4‑94 of the city code and discussed potential future appropriations to support alcohol‑education programming, including work by the Metro Drug Coalition; no appropriation was approved at the meeting.

Board action highlights and details

Votes at a glance - 2025 Greek Fest (Saint George Church) — Approved (special-event beer permit). Applicant: Mike Naseos; event dates Sept. 26–28, 2025. File reported complete. - Big Kahuna Wing Fest — Approved (special-event beer permit). Applicant: Matt Bealer; event date Aug. 31, 2025. File reported complete. - Dave Landau’s tailgate for Alzheimer’s Tennessee (Rogers Place) — Approved (special-event beer permit). Applicant: Chris…