Beer board defers flea-market vendor's on-site beer permit pending site plans, health and codes sign-offs

The Shelbyville Beer Board on Jan. 8 deferred consideration of an on-site beer permit application for a flea-market stall operated by an applicant identified as Jamie (last name not specified), citing missing site plans and sign-offs from building/codes and the health department.

Board members said the application differs from typical beer-permit requests because the permit would allow sales within a flea-market stall rather than a fully built restaurant or bar. Tom Bachelor, introduced during the discussion as the zoning/planning director, and Brian Stevens, identified as a department director, told the board they have not received a site plan that shows the proposed layout. Stevens and other staff said departments cannot provide the board with the required clearances without a written site plan and signatures showing building/codes and health approval.

Board members also raised specific operational concerns discussed with the applicant and the property owner, including tarps and coverings used at vendor stalls, drainage, and whether sinks or grease traps would be needed if the vendor prepares mixed beverages. Board staff said an existing drain connection had to be cut off and that health-department review may require additional equipment or facilities.

Chairman Fisher and other board members said the board has given time for applicants to address these issues but that it could not approve the application without the outstanding items in writing. The board moved to defer consideration for up to 90 days; the deferral was set with April 9 as the latest date for final consideration, though staff said the applicant may submit required documents sooner for an earlier placement on the agenda.

The board told the applicant that the packet for a final decision must include: a signed site plan showing the on-site configuration for the beer sales; sign-off by the building/planning and codes official; and sign-off or clearance from the health department. Staff said the site plan may be submitted either by the property owner or the leaseholder and that Lisa Smith, identified as the city recorder, is the staff contact for submitting documents and checking for placement on an earlier agenda.

The board emphasized this is the last deferral it would grant on the item and that, under normal procedure, applicants present after their facility build-out is complete so that departments can verify compliance before a permit is issued.