LaPorte County board continues Burger Bar renewal; owner told to put permit in escrow

Board 2 on Sept. 4 continued action on a renewal for RR4631995 (Burger Bar & Grill) after the owner, Michelle Tinsley, described licensing confusion, a recently reduced misdemeanor traffic charge and the fact the business has been closed since June 26. The board directed the owner to submit an ATC escrow request so the permit can be preserved while tax and insurance documentation are resolved and set the matter for a 30‑day continuance.

Tinsley told the board she was pulled over on a return trip home, that breath testing showed a reading ‘‘over 0.08 but less than 0.15’’ and that the charge was later reduced to reckless driving; she said she completed six months of probation and required classes. The owner said the bar closed November–February during earlier licensing confusion, reopened with food-only service, and then closed again on June 26. Board staff and members explained that permits closed for more than 30 days should be placed in escrow using the ATC online form to protect them while ownership, tax clearance or sale are resolved.

The board agreed to continue the item for 30 days to allow the owner to file the escrow request and work on outstanding tax and insurance issues. Staff said an escrow filing will help with Department of Revenue questions and preserve the permit while the owner seeks a buyer or clears outstanding items. The owner was told she would not need to appear at the next meeting if the escrow request is submitted in time.

Next steps: owner to submit ATC escrow request online; county staff will monitor and confirm escrow status before the next scheduled meeting.