Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission supported a local policy when the permit renewal for Whetten Restaurant Corp. was denied.
Whetten Restaurant does business as Bud's Bar in Milford. State excise officers found gambling machines, which are illegal in Indiana, in the establishment on three different occasions: May and September 2005, and April 2006.
The local board adopted a policy of not renewing an alcoholic beverage permit after three gambling-related violations. Local members are Gordon Vanator, Ken Johnson and Elim Smith. They refer to this stance in baseball terms, calling it their "three strikes and you're out" policy.
The Whetten permit is the first time the policy has gone into effect. Denying a renewal is a recommendation to the state commission. The state board has the final say.
During the local board's July meeting, Crystal Wyatt appeared as power of attorney for her father and permit holder, Gary Whetten.
The permit for Bud's Bar originally expired in May. The expiration date was extended for six months, until November.
The state board met July 18. An appeal has been filed with the state board, according to IATC paralegal Kim Chew.
The state commissioners are Dave Heath, Frank Guthrie, Dale Sturtz and David Johnson. The decision not to renew the Whetten permit was unanimous.
Gary Whetten is listed as president on the permit; Steve Whetten is secretary.
