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LaPorte County panel approves beer permit for Shady Creek Winery with 21+ bar rules
Summary
The LaPorte County Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved a beer permit for RR4642491, Shady Creek Winery, allowing canned local craft and domestic beers; the applicant will restrict bar ordering to patrons 21 and older, use wristbands for verified adults, and issue staff guidance immediately.
The LaPorte County Alcoholic Beverage Commission voted to approve a new beer permit for RR4642491, Shady Creek Winery, after the applicant described operational changes to limit on-site sales and prevent underage access.
James Thomas Schwartz Junior, identified in the record as president of the corporation, told the board the winery has operated as wine-only for almost six years and had received repeated customer requests to offer beer. "We've operated, Jadey Creek Winery for almost 6 years being wine only," he said, adding the business plans to "source a lot of local craft beer, along with a couple of domestic beers." He said cans are likely to be used rather than bottles and that draft service is not currently planned.
Schwartz described changes to the service model tied to the permit: bar service will be limited to patrons 21 and older, the main dining area with a bar will be 21+ unless a minor is accompanied by an adult, and all-21 groups can be served at tables rather than at the bar. "We are changing that to be 21 and up only… moving forward you must be 21 or older to order at the bar," Schwartz said. He added the winery will card patrons who look underage, wristband adults, and issue a memo to staff to implement the policies immediately.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the floor plan and enforcement. The applicant confirmed minors will be kept away from the bar area during events, and that a soda/water station will be provided for minors to avoid trips to the bar.
A board member moved to approve the permit and another seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote. The applicant was asked to email a posted-sign affidavit after the meeting; one board member suggested final approval be conditional on receipt, but the board approved the permit during the session.
The commission did not set an expanded draft-service plan or require a specific timeline beyond the applicant's statement that a staff memo would be issued and the operations would begin that weekend. The applicant also noted a recent expansion in Valparaiso under a different license type and described the broader investment in the business as "a multi million dollar investment," a figure he declined to detail further.
The board record shows the permit approved during this meeting as RR4642491 for Shady Creek Winery. The applicant's operational restrictions and staff procedures are the primary conditions described in the hearing.
