Pandora’s Kitchen liquor license approved contingent on outstanding lease verification; applicant agrees to late‑night age checks

The Local Liquor Control Commission voted to approve an on‑premises secondary restaurant liquor license for KB Lentz LLC, doing business as Pandora’s Kitchen at 500 New Era Road, contingent on receipt of outstanding documentation including verification of leases and clarification about prior lessee termination.

Staff presentation and outstanding items: Staff told the commission that the application was complete in parts (the $100 application fee was paid and criminal-history checks did not bar the applicant) but that staff had been unable to fully reconcile lease documents and signatures between the prior lessee and the property owner, Valiant Carbondale LLC. Staff recommended approval contingent on clearing the outstanding items or, alternatively, denial if the liquor-code criteria were not met.

Commissioner concerns and applicant response: Commissioners expressed concern that under the restaurant classification there is no minimum entry age while the kitchen is open. Commissioner Doherty raised specific safety concerns about allowing minors into an establishment with late-night food service and alcohol sold concurrently. Applicant Kelsey Linz said she would add door‑security and age checks if the business remained open late and offered two concrete proposals in the hearing: that patrons be 19+ to enter after a certain hour with legal drinking age (21) enforced for alcohol service; she said, “I would be comfortable with 19 to enter, 21 to drink.”

Vote: The commission approved the license contingent upon the outstanding items (lease/ documentation) and staff conditions; the roll call was unanimous.

Next steps: Staff will complete lease verification and other outstanding requirements before issuing the license. The council/commission noted that code requirements about kitchen operation and alcohol‑revenue limits remain applicable.