Metro Beer Board Hits Four Downtown Bars With Temporary Beer Permit Suspensions

The Tennessean reports that the Metropolitan Beer Board unanimously voted to issue five-day beer permit suspensions to four downtown bars today, for violation of the Health Department’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Broadway Brewhouse, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Steakhouse, the Moxy Hotel Downtown, and Nudie’s Honky-Tonk were all seen serving patrons at the bar on Saturday — which isn’t allowed in the current Phase Two of reopening.

In Phase Two of reopening, restaurants are allowed to open at 75 percent capacity, with bars remaining closed and live music limited to two performers on stage at a time. Once Phase Three begins (Mayor Cooper announced this morning the city is on track for Monday), bars can operate at half-capacity.

“They were in violation of two points of the order that states bar areas must remain closed to the public,” said inspector Melvin Brown. “No interaction with the public is allowed, and alcohol can only be served at tables and booths.”

The inspector says he’ll make repeat visits to check back for other violations in the meantime.

• Kid Rock’s Honky-Tonk, other bars have beer permits suspended for violating pandemic health rules [TENNESSEAN]