Self-serve OKed by city beer board

By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
The Knoxville City Council Beer Board hears all types of beer permit requests, from local organizations holding public events to local convenience stores with new owners. Sometimes the requests are unique.
Last week a request for something different came from the Hampton Inn and Suites just off Cedar Lane in north Knoxville. The hotel, located behind Ingles Market at 5411 Pratt Road, wants self-service beer.
Manager Robyn Harvey spoke and explained that a self-service beer dispenser would be located across from the hotel check-in desk.
Councilwoman Lauren Rider asked how people would purchase the beer. Harvey said that customers would have to show ID and purchase a wristband “preloaded” with a purchase amount and the hours of operation would be noon to 7 p.m. She said that the machine would be turned off outside those hours of operation.
The beer board approved the request subject to an inspection.
Vendors approved for beer permits during the meeting included two Chop House Restaurants, Thompson-Boling Arena-Aramark Suites, Tobacco Shop on Merchant Drive, Adopt a Golden Knoxville, Blount Mansion, Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oscar’s Food Market, Raising a Voice, The Arc and The Hill. Many of the requests were for fundraising special events.
Beer permit requests for extensions were approved for Ace’s Motorcycle Club, Diti Market and Fast Hand Tavern. The third no-show from E-Hotels on Lovell Road prompted the beer board to take no action, which effectively killed the request.