Cook, Tony. 2023. Neighbors’ relief turns to anger as bar is OK’d: El chila’s license was denied, then extended. Indianapolis Star, Apr 09, 2023.

Last month, the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission used a new policy intended to crack down on problem bars to deny a liquor license extension to El Chila Sports Bar.

Nearby residents breathed a sigh of relief. They blamed the westside bar for violence that sometimes spilled into the surrounding community.

Now, it would finally be closed.

Their relief, however, was short-lived.

Just days after voting unanimously to deny the license extension, the ATC suddenly reversed its decision. The flip-flop happened at a meeting last week where license extensions are not typically considered. The issue did not appear on the meeting’s public agenda.

[…]

Britt said in an email that he advises government agencies that “any controversial or big-ticket items be tabled until it makes it on an official agenda.”

Surprise actions tend to leave citizens feeling like their government pulled an end-run around the public, he said.

Zachary Baiel, president of the Indiana Coalition for Open Government, gave the agency a failing grade for transparency.

“This sets a dangerous precedent,” he said. “It’s very poor practice.”

Read the full article here: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2023/04/05/neighbors-thought-el-chila-sports-bar-was-closed-indiana-alcohol-and-tobacco-commission-stepped-in/70063444007/