State upholds decision denying Indiana Dunes liquor license

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - State officials have upheld a local board's decision denying a liquor license to a politically connected developer with plans for a restaurant and bar at Indiana Dunes State Park.

The state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission voted 4-0 Tuesday, siding with a Porter County board that denied a license to Chuck Williams, who can still file an appeal.

Commission Chairman David Cook says state law grants considerable sway to local boards when issuing alcohol permits.

Williams wants to refurbish an existing pavilion to bring a restaurant, bar and banquet hall to the state park along Lake Michigan.

He is a high-ranking state Republican Party official who has donated thousands of dollars to GOP causes. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources approved his plan, but environmentalists oppose it.