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Council stalls karaoke venue’s alcohol permit after ABLE inquiry; application ultimately disapproved
Summary
Council heard that an ABLE commission inquiry and evidence of unpermitted work at 2113 South Air Depot complicated a special‑use permit to allow alcohol at a karaoke venue; after debate, the council ultimately disapproved the alcohol permit and the applicant must wait up to six months to reapply.
Midwest City — A special‑use permit request to allow alcoholic beverage sales at a multi‑room karaoke venue at 2113 South Air Depot Boulevard ran into regulatory and procedural problems Wednesday as the council debated whether to act while a state licensing body was investigating the application.
Planner Patrick Summers told the council the property had unpermitted work and an active inquiry from the ABLE commission about irregularities in the application and the applicant’s identity. “Staff did receive one phone call and an email in opposition,” Summers said, and the planning commission had unanimously recommended denial.
Midwest City Police Chief (unnamed) told the council that the ABLE inquiry remained open and that staff had concerns. “The application has not been completed…there were several things in there that caused them concern, and it is still under investigation,” the chief said.
Attorney Todd Woodell, speaking for Star KTV and owner John Chang, asked the council to continue the item so he could investigate the ABLE issues and submit sound‑proofing documentation. “This is a top tier karaoke venue,” Woodell said, describing multiple interior rooms and the owner’s investment in soundproofing. He acknowledged the applicant did not yet have an alcohol license from ABLE and requested more time.
Council members split over procedure and fairness. Some members argued the unresolved ABLE inquiry was reason to deny the application; others cautioned that allegations are not proof of wrongdoing and that the applicant is entitled to due process. A motion to deny was brought forward but did not carry. The council later voted to table and then ultimately moved on to a final approval vote that failed; the mayor announced the application was disapproved and staff said a denied application would require a six‑month wait before a new application could be filed.
What happens next: The applicant may reapply once ABLE’s issues are resolved, but a six‑month ordinance buffer will likely apply before a new council hearing can be scheduled.
Reporting note: Quotes are taken from the public hearing and staff presentations.
