Beer Board grants tentative approval to Knoxville Sport Bar, requires purchase agreement showing full transfer of ownership

The Knoxville Beer Board gave tentative approval Sept. 16 to the application for Knoxville Sport Bar but required the applicant to submit a purchase agreement demonstrating full transfer of ownership and recommended affidavits from the prior owners.

The hearing included testimony from Gary Viles, who told the board, "We sold the business last year... He bought it from us and I just want him to have a successful business and go forward," and from applicant counsel and staff discussing prior paperwork that the board had judged insufficient in August. Board members and legal counsel reviewed two documents in the record: a previously rejected filing and a buy-sell agreement that Mr. Frost said "talks about... under which Byron Ponce may acquire 100% ownership" and lists staged payments, including due dates the agreement identifies as Nov. 23, 2025 and Feb. 21, 2026.

Councilwoman Parker said the file did not clearly state that the transfer had been completed but that a "duly executed purchase agreement" could be submitted and that the board could approve the application "pending the submission of those documents tonight." Counsel (Mr. Frost) agreed to review the documents Mr. Young (applicant counsel) submits and to report to the beer board chair and Mr. Byrd whether the paperwork is adequate.

Councilman Roberto moved to approve pending final documentation, specifying the purchase agreement showing 100% ownership by Mr. Ponce; the motion included a recommendation that affidavits from Gary and Christy Viles stating they no longer hold ownership be provided if possible. The board voted in favor by voice.

The board directed the applicant and counsel to follow up with Mr. Frost and Mr. Byrd and emphasized that documentation should be submitted in advance of the October meeting to avoid further delays.