Knoxville Beer Board approves multiple special-event permits, sets conditions for new outlets

The Knoxville Beer Board on March 17 approved a slate of special-event beer permits and cleared several new and transferred permits subject to required paperwork and inspections.

Abigail Save outlined three Dogwood Arts events — Chalkwalk in Market Square on April 11, the Dogwood Arts Festival April 24–26 and the Knox Mural and Music Festival May 30 in Emery Place — and the board voted to approve each application after staff told the board files were complete and Officer Presley reported no adverse enforcement record. "We have over 300 artists decorating the ground with chalk and we have food trucks and drinks served all day," Save said during the meeting.

Across a series of consent items the board approved or approved-pending documentation multiple other special events and retail permits, including applicants for eBay Lounge, The Happy Holler Project, Hazen Historical Museum Foundation events, Rosarita's Mexican Cantina and the Knoxville Track and Field Club marathon. Several approvals were conditional: staff repeatedly advised applicants that a certificate of occupancy, health department approval, surrender of an existing permit, or proof of CAST training could be required before final issuance.

Mr. Johnson, the city clerk, told members the beer fund balance is about $268,000 and that fines collected to date total roughly $17,000 against a budgeted $10,000 for fines. The board reminded applicants that “approved pending final documentation” means applicants must return to the business tax office with completed documents during regular business hours to receive a permit.

The board also granted a 120-day extension for one applicant still awaiting permits and buildout, and postponed a set of items (8C, 8D, 8G and 8H) to the April 28 meeting at the applicants’ request.

The meeting adjourned after completing the remaining agenda items.