The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved the transfer of an alcoholic beverage permit previously held by Coach’s Corner on Kennedy Avenue to the City of Hammond. This transfer stems from a settlement agreement entered between Coach’s and the City whereby Hammond agreed to purchase the building in which Coach’s operated along with Coach’s alcoholic beverage permit. Coach’s agreed to cease operations at the end of last year under the Agreement.
The City successfully remonstrated against the renewal of Coach’s permit in 2020 and has continued to prosecute its case on appeal. “Studies demonstrate when you have a high concentration of alcoholic beverage permits in one area, it can lead to an increase in crime. Our efforts have been twofold, to be responsible to the City’s police resources and to ensure that Hammond is a safe place to live, raise a family, and work,” said Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr.
“We believe Coach’s was operated in a responsible manner and was not the cause of crime in the area. Nevertheless, this settlement is in the best interest for all involved,” Coach’s owner Mike Gella stated. “The City will now have a great building to lease to another business and a restaurant alcoholic beverage permit to use for economic development purposes.” Windy City Pizza will continue to operate at the 6208 Kennedy Avenue location.
“For years we have been active in purchasing alcoholic beverage permits and using them to incentivize retail economic development throughout the city. Hammond would like to thank the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for its efforts in bringing this matter to a close,” said Africa Tarver Executive Director of Planning and Development.