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Knox County Beer Board fines two stores for underage sales, approves several new beer permits
Summary
At its April 27 meeting the Knox County Beer Board assessed fines for underage sales at two locations and approved multiple new or change-of-ownership beer-permit applications, while deferring one violation to May.
The Knox County Beer Board met April 27 and handled several compliance and licensing matters, including two civil penalties for underage sales and a number of permit approvals.
Violations and fines - Levelville Shell (512 Lover Road): The Sheriff's Office reported an undercover compliance check on March 9, 2026 found an employee sold an alcoholic beverage to an underage person. The owner acknowledged the mistake and described additional training steps; the board offered the owner the statutory options and approved a $1,000 civil penalty (motion by Commissioner Oster; second by Commissioner Durret).
- Market at 9730 North Freeway (Market 163): The Sheriff's Office reported a second offense at that address when an employee sold alcohol to a minor and did not check ID properly. The manager, Zoe Pirani, said the employee had been to court and would complete required classes. The board offered a $1,500 civil penalty or a 60‑day suspension; Pirani elected the fine and the board approved the $1,500 penalty (motion by Commissioner Thompson; second by Commissioner Jay).
Applications and approvals The board heard a lengthy slate of applications for on‑ and off‑premise beer permits, including change-of-ownership applications and new-license requests (Copper Seller/Copper Seller Corporation; Corner 16; Julie’s; Rock & Roll Sushi; Hop In locations; Baker Boy special event permits; and others). The board approved multiple applications after confirming server training, pending building or health department approvals, and the need to turn in old permits where applicable. Several approvals were conditional on outstanding items such as a Certificate of Occupancy, health department sign‑offs, or turning in an old beer permit. One applicant (Dollar General in one case) was deferred to the May agenda to allow additional documentation.
Deferred and postponed matters - Hackne Petroleum (7322 Oakridge Highway): The board received a compliance report alleging an underage sale on March 9, 2026. Legal counsel asked to postpone the matter while leadership transition issues were clarified; the board deferred the hearing to the May Beer Board meeting (motion by Commissioner Hill; second by Commissioner Jay).
What this means The Beer Board continues to enforce state and county alcohol laws through civil penalties or license suspension options while processing frequent permit applications tied to restaurant openings and ownership changes. Several approvals carried conditions (CO, health approvals) the board required the applicants to satisfy before receiving final permits.
Who said what Sheriff's Office representatives presented compliance check findings. Licensees and their representatives appeared, acknowledged facts in some cases, described remedial training, and accepted fines or conditions. Board members who serve as commissioners made motions and recorded votes on fines and permit approvals.
