N and T: "State: Floyd County Health Department shouldn’t require permit."

Dr. Tom Harris has long since retreated from public comment on the topic of PourGate, but on August 1, we imagined his probable response: ON THE AVENUES: "Kneel and Kiss My Ring, You Degraded Alcoholic."

Baylor, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with syringes. Who's gonna do it? You? Lee Cotner? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for the ATC, and you curse the health care supermen. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that my random personal opinions about food safety, while unsupported by Indiana law or precedent, saves lives; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives.

Maybe so, big guy.

Now, about the way the Attorney General looks at it differently ...

State: Floyd County Health Department shouldn’t require permit, by Daniel Suddeath (N and T)

NEW ALBANY — The Floyd County Health Department incorrectly charged businesses for temporary food permits to sell beer at festivals and events, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office has concluded.

In June, the New Albanian Brewing Co. protested citations it was issued by the health department for not obtaining a temporary food permit before selling beer during concerts at New Albany Bicentennial Park.

Other vendors were also issued citations during the city’s summer concert series at Bicentennial Park, and four citations were handed out during a Develop New Albany event in June.

Floyd County Health Officer Dr. Tom Harris maintained the department had required the permits for some time, and that such inspections are necessary to ensure food and alcohol is safe for consumption.

However, NABC challenged the health department’s stance, as it claimed the business had served beer at dozens of events in New Albany over the years without having to obtain the temporary food permit.

NABC co-owner Roger Baylor said there are existing state regulations that cover beer and alcohol sales, and that the company had already obtained its small brewer’s permit, three-way riverfront permit and a supplemental catering permit.

Essentially NABC’s case was that the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission’s authority preempts local ordinances, and the attorney general’s office agreed after being asked for an advisory opinion by the ATC.