EVANSVILLE — Understanding that school board member Amy Word will not be involved in the ownership or operation of Lamasco Bar & Grill, the Alcoholic Beverage Board of Vanderburgh County recommended renewal of her liquor license Tuesday and its immediate transfer to a friend.
Board members did so in the expectation that Word’s friend, Evansville resident Ty Barnhart, will sell to experienced restaurateur Charles Mereday, who is already managing Lamasco.
Word is fighting a felony criminal charge that accuses her of “maintaining a common nuisance” at Lamasco. She has repeatedly professed her innocence. Her criminal case is set for jury trial on April 8.
Word’s previously denied liquor license at Lamasco was set to expire on Friday after three extensions granted by state regulators. She said during Tuesday’s nearly hour-long hearing that — pending the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission‘s Feb. 20 approval of the local board’s actions — she will sell it to Barnhart. In turn, Barnhart said his wife is “one of (Word’s) best friends.”