St. Elmo Steak House spin-off Harry & Izzy’s won unanimous approval for a liquor permit this morning after Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi withdrew as an investor in the $4 million venture, said Dave Heath, chairman of the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Questions arose last week about the legality of Brizzi’s 10-percent stake in the restaurant, which is slated to open in April. State law forbids liquor permits to be issued to law enforcement officers, which the code defines as including prosecuting attorneys.
Brizzi agreed to remove himself as a partner, at least until the attorney general determines whether an ownership interest would be legal. Brizzi still could be added as a minority partner in the restaurant led by St. Elmo owners Stephen and Craig Huse, but he didn’t want the controversy to hold up a liquor permit application.
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