Council revokes downtown alcoholic beverage permit after owner fails to relocate; resolution passes 5-0

The Valparaiso City Council voted unanimously to revoke a downtown alcoholic beverage permit after city staff said the permit holder failed to meet written commitments tied to a downtown relocation.

The Clerk read Resolution No. 6-20-26, which revokes the downtown alcoholic beverage permit issued Oct. 27, 2025 and cites the permit holders decision not to relocate to 101 Lincoln Way and failure to execute required written commitments. The resolution cites Indiana Code requirements referenced in the ordinance language read into the record.

The city attorney explained the revocation rationale and said staff attempted to reach the permit holder multiple times (Jan. 13, Feb. 27 and March 20, 2026) and that an email notifying the owner of the action was sent the Friday before the meeting. "We've tried to reach out to the owner on numerous occasions. No response," the city attorney said.

Following a brief council exchange about downtown license oversight and related projects, council moved and seconded the resolution. The Clerk called the roll; the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.

What happens next: The clerk and city attorney indicated staff had exhausted outreach efforts; council did not discuss reinstatement terms during the meeting. A member of the public asked later in the public-comment period whether a second downtown license might revert to the city after six months of inactivity; staff confirmed that possibility and noted such license changes require council approval.