Beer Board has hearing for Applebee’s, could re-open Brewski’s hearing

The Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board on Monday will have a hearing for an Oak Ridge restaurant and bar that reportedly sold beer to a minor in March.

The board agreed last month to have the show cause hearing for Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill during a meeting that starts at noon Monday.

The beer sale to a minor occurred March 18 as part of a compliance check conducted by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, according to the Beer Permit Board agenda. Oak Ridge officials have said this was the second violation for selling beer to a minor within one year, and Applebee’s agreed to a five-day suspension of its liquor-by-the-drink permit (from June 23-27) and a $500 civil penalty.

Also Monday, the Beer Permit Board will consider a request from Back 2 Brewski’s owner Nang Crossno to offer more information about a show cause hearing that took place last month. During that meeting, the Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board approved a suspension of up to two weeks for Back 2 Brewski’s after discussing an April 14 fight involving two men, including one who police said was very intoxicated.

The beer permit suspension is scheduled to start Sept. 1, but it could be shortened to one week if Back 2 Brewski’s meets a few requirements, including proving that employees who need training on responsibly serving alcohol complete a course by Aug. 30.

Monday’s meeting agenda said it is unprecedented to reopen a show cause hearing, but the board could consider it. The meeting is in the Oak Ridge Municipal Building Training Room.