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After much debate from the Kosciusko County Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Rich Stage, owner of the Johnson Bay Marina in Syracuse, received a tied vote Thursday.
Despite Syracuse attorney Steve Snyder's debates, the commission responded with a split decision. The debate originated from some Syracuse area residents who called a commission member concerned that the marina was not qualified to be called a grocery store.
While Stage plans on expanding the marina's grocery services, two of the board members, Arden Warner and Howard Long, were not convinced the expansion would be carried out to its necessary extent.
Darwin Call, who looked up several definitions of a grocery store, voted for the approval of the alcohol permit. The definition, in his view, was broad enough to include the small marina.
Officer Fleck, of the excise police, also voted for the permit under the condition the floor plan would be improved to add interior walls and pending a final inspection of the building.
With a tied commission vote, the permit application will be sent to Indianapolis, where the state will decide whether the marina qualifies.
Other permit renewals included: Kings Keg, North Webster; American Legion, North Webster; Wawasee Golf Club; VFW 1126; Comfort Inn, Warsaw; Pier Pleasure Pizza King; Lil's Anchor Bar; RC Pier, Syracuse; South Shore Country Club; Spike's, Warsaw.
