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Board denies renewal/transfer for 8501 Pelican Pike permit after series of entertainer‑related violations
Summary
The board declined to approve the renewal/transfer of the permit for the 8501 Pelican Pike adult‑entertainment venue after staff and board members said the owner failed to control contracted entertainers and the location produced repeat nuisance complaints and two public‑nuisance charges.
The Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board denied a renewal/transfer request tied to the permit for 8501 Pelican Pike after hearing evidence of two altercations involving entertainers earlier in the permit cycle.
Attorney Mark Webb said the permit holder closed and sold the real estate, placed the permit in location‑pending status, and reached a settlement with the state commission that required escrow of the permit pending an arm’s‑length sale. Ryan Carlson, representing permit interests, said the operation was difficult at the 8501 location because of the building layout and a particular group of entertainers and patrons, and explained the business chose to exit that property.
Board members questioned why a licensee with hundreds of similar venues nationwide failed to maintain basic hiring, security and oversight at the Lawrence location. As one board member put it, "If you can't control those entertainers that you contract with, then maybe you shouldn't be in that business." Counsel said the permit holder accepted responsibility, closed the location and pursued an arm's‑length sale to preserve the permit for potential use at a different Lawrence restaurant.
After members weighed the settlement history, the pattern of recent violations (including public nuisance and a fight that required police), and the lack of on‑site accountability, the board voted to deny the renewal/transfer request. The board recorded the basis as repeated violations and public nuisance.
