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La Porte County panel approves transfer for Little Town Tavern in Westville
Summary
The La Porte County Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved the transfer of a liquor license for Little Town Tavern in Westville after owners described renovation plans, posting of required public notice and steps to separate bar service from family dining.
The La Porte County Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved the transfer of a liquor license for Little Town Tavern in Westville at its Oct. 2 meeting, following the applicants’ assurances about renovations, public notice and compliance with separation rules for minors.
John Harold Engstrom and Greg Engstrom, who identified themselves as the owners, told the board they purchased the building and have started a major rehabilitation including a new roof. "We bought the building and... started a major rehab of the building including a new roof," John Harold Engstrom said, describing revisions to the interior layout and plans to move the bar to the front of the building while reserving space for family dining and overflow events.
The board confirmed the applicants posted the required orange public-notice sign and provided an affidavit attesting to the posting. Commission members discussed specific requirements the applicants must meet before opening. Michelle Travers, the state excise representative, explained recent changes in state law that allow minors to dine in a room that contains a bar if they are accompanied by a family member and are eating, and said that a permanent railing or half-wall can alter how loitering rules apply. The board also said openings in any separation cannot exceed 5 feet in width and must meet minimum dimension requirements.
Applicants described menu and operating plans, saying pizza will be the primary offering with sides and salads, and that they expect to open five to six days a week and start conservatively. The board reminded them that alcohol sales are restricted overnight and noted the legal closing period for alcohol sales between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.
After the presentation the commission moved, seconded and approved the transfer by voice vote. The board and staff reviewed administrative steps for the final inspection and advised the owners they may file a doing-business-as name before the final inspection to ensure the license record matches the business name.
The action was procedural and contingent on the applicants completing required inspections and paperwork before full operations begin.
