Liquor license application can proceed for Allensburg business
The Division of Liquor Control of the Ohio Department of Commerce has ruled it will allow the liquor license application process to continue for a Highland County business, following objections to the application from an area church and the Highland County Board of Commissioners.
Business owner Christina Gill, of Lynchburg, has purchased the former Sunnyside Inn on U.S. 50 in Allensburg across from the Allensburg Church of Christ. Gill has applied for a liquor license for the establishment.
A hearing on the license application was held on April 12 at the Highland County Administration Building. James Bally, hearing officer for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, presided over the hearing.
Gill was represented by Hillsboro attorney Kathryn Hapner, and the commissioners were represented by Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins. The church was represented by Pastor Bob Stevens.
The county based its objection, in part, on the establishment's close proximity to a church and also on the owner's previous arrest record, which included misdemeanor offenses entered as exhibits to the hearing.
On April 26, the Division of Liquor Control sent letters to the board of commissioners and to Stevens, stating that the liquor license application process can continue for Gill.
According to a letter written by DLC superintendent Bruce Stevenson, "The Division finds that the Highland County Commissioners were unable to present sufficient evidence to show that the applicant is unfit to engage in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages or the issuance of this permit would adversely impact the peace, sobriety and good order of the community."
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Another letter sent to the church also stated that they were unable to show sufficient evidence that the license would "substantially interfere with church-related activities or negatively impact the peace, sobriety and good order of the community.
"Therefore, it is ordered that the objection of the aforementioned institution be overruled and that the processing of the above captioned application continue."
The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is responsible for controlling the manufacture, distribution, licensing, regulation and merchandising of beer, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor within Ohio pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapters 4301. and 4303. Regulatory functions include the issuance of permits to manufacturers, distributors and retailers of alcoholic beverages. As a “control state” all beer and intoxicating liquor must be bought and sold pursuant to Ohio law.
According to the letter sent to the commissioners, "The legislative authority has the right to appeal this order to the Liquor Control Commission as provided in Revised Code Section 4301.28(B). If you wish to appeal this order you must file an appeal within 30 days ... The notice of appeal should contain a statement of your reasons for appeal ... If no appeal is filed within 30 days from the date of this order, the Division will continue processing the application."
Hapner told The Highland County Press," Obviously, we are pleased."