Cafe with Beer Bar

You guys remember Ray's Monkey House? How was he able to get a beer license? I know there weren't 50 seats in there, nor did he sell 70% food (unless coffee is food.) I'm asking because we run a retail store that we'd like to combine with beer and a mini-menu, but just got slammed down by the ABC saying that we won't qualify for the license without making it a 21+ space, which simply will not work.

TIA!

It was owned by Nimbus Couzins (sp?). You might be able to find him on here and send a pm.

[Robin Garr]

My best guess is that the proprietor just did it under the radar ... until ABC noticed and told him to stop.

A lot of those rules are stupid, but if they're on the books, it's a problem for restaurateurs. You don't want to end up paying a hefty fine or worse.

Unless there are special restrictions in that area, anyone can get an NQ4 license which allows malt beverage consumption on premises with no food restrictions. Now if you want wine or liquor, you might have more restrictions.

Beer is fairly simple and straightforward in KY. Adding liquor and wine mucks it up quite a bit.

Hello,

You should be able to get separate ABC Licences for Retail sales, Beer by the glass, wine by the glass and liquor by the glass. I'm involved with Commonwealth Tap out in Norton Commons and I know that we have at least those four different licences. It's been awhile, but when we were in the opening process the people at the ABC were very helpful- I'd start there. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Regards,

Doug

[Robin Garr]

You should be able to get separate ABC Licences for Retail sales, Beer by the glass, wine by the glass and liquor by the glass. I'm involved with Commonwealth Tap out in Norton Commons and I know that we have at least those four different licences.

Do you think the seating issue is in play there, though, Doug? It seems that the OP got the back of ABC's hand because they don't have, and can't accommodate, seating for 21+.

It seems that the OP got the back of ABC's hand because they don't have, and can't accommodate, seating for 21+.

Maybe I understood the OP incorrectly but I thought that the 21+ was a reference to restricting the age of people that would be allowed in the business. I thought this because 21 is obviously the drinking age.

[Robin Garr]

It seems that the OP got the back of ABC's hand because they don't have, and can't accommodate, seating for 21+.

Maybe I understood the OP incorrectly but I thought that the 21+ was a reference to restricting the age of people that would be allowed in the business. I thought this because 21 is obviously the drinking age.

Right, I mixed that up ... under 50 seats, rather ...

Regarding the 21+, with the Licenses we have at Tap, we have to strictly enforce that only those 21 or older can actually enter the establishment. Kids are fine outside, but they are not supposed to come inside at all. I'm one of those people who cringes when I'm out somewhere and I see a child sitting at a bar, so the restriction part suits me just fine.