Knoxville Beer Board Hands out permits

The Knoxville City Council gathers to begin their monthly Beer Board meeting to speak with permit applicants. (Sophia Aiello/UTK Student Journalist)

By: Sophia Aiello

Feb. 20, 2024 (5:00 p.m.) - The Beer Board of Knoxville regulates beer permits through policy and procedure with public monthly meetings. Dragonfly Aerial & Circus Arts Studio got their permit on February 20. The studio promotes education and community involvement in the world of aerial and circus arts. They share benefits with their community, specifically under-served youth. A variety of classes are open to people of any age, fitness level, and physical ability.

For the first time ever, they are holding a Sparkles & Sequins fundraising gala on March 2 with performances, aerial bartending, a silent auction, dancing, and more.

“While the performer bartender is up on the apparatus, they will pour your drinks for you,” said Heather Quinsey on the studio’s Management Team.

To have aerial bartenders, the studio not only needs to prepare for the difficult task but also acquire a beer permit. Quinsey said that despite starting the process late, they were able to obtain one in about a month.

“[Getting a license for an event] is simpler [than for a business] because many of those will occur at a public place” said Mark Byrd, the Revenue Technician of the Business Tax Office. “It tends to go smoother. There’s less for that applicant to have to do.”

Alongside the studio, several other companies sought out their own permits. Local businesses at this meeting include Ashe’s Wines & Spirits, Mill and Mine, and more.