INDIANAPOLIS | Both sides of the Schererville liquor license debate had to wait out a long legislative day to make their case.
Developers and their attorneys told the House Public Policy Committee on Wednesday that a pair of developments worth $200 million are a "house of cards" that would fall apart without the foundation that 10 new liquor permits would provide.
Meanwhile, two established Schererville restaurateurs argued it wouldn't be fair for the Legislature to create new licenses outside of the state's population-based apportionment system, which requires new businesses to barter existing permits away from current owners.
"The ... system works. It probably just doesn't work as fast as some people would wish," said Al Krygier, owner of Red Robin and Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants on U.S. 41. "I'm worried that we're setting a precedent here for anyone that has a $200 million investment.
Krygier said he could imagine Wal-Mart or other big-box chains demanding liquor licenses to attract restaurants to outer parking lots around their new superstores.
That scenario was a far cry from the plan outlined by Regency Centers executive Nicholas Wibbenmeyer. His firm is among three developers looking to build two lifestyle-center shopping malls on the north side of Schererville, near U.S. 41.
Wibbenmeyer brought a poster-sized sketch of a 50-store retail center where he said several upscale restaurants would attract a bookstore, which in turn would lure small fashion retailers.
"In essence without the liquor licenses -- this is for the restaurants -- we can't get Barnes (and Noble) and we can't get the small retailers," he said. "So it's really a house of cards. And, unfortunately, in Indiana right now, at the base of that house of cards is liquor licenses."
House Bill 1392 would give Schererville 10 new licenses to serve beer, wine and alcohol, with five for each new development, one for downtown dining and a final permit to be assigned by the town council.
State Rep. Dan Stevenson, D-Highland, said the legislation would not allow the licenses to be transferred from those designated areas. At the behest of Schererville tavern owners, he also added a clause that would have the 10 new licenses count against any new permits that town might later receive, based on population growth reflected in the 2010 census.
Schererville now has 17 tavern or restaurant liquor license, based on a state formula, which awards one per 1,500 residents.
A committee vote on the legislation is expected early next week.
Both sides had to sit for hours Wednesday morning while the committee waded through a separate liquor dispute involving state convenience stores and gas stations.
