A beer hall and eatery in West Des Moines that the city recently denied a liquor license to has closed.
The Hall posted on its Facebook page Friday, Sept. 19 that it and neighboring The Kitchen — both inside The Foundry building at 111 S. 11th St. — would be closed. It again posted on Sept. 22 that it would be closed until further notice.
West Des Moines City Council voted 4-1 on Monday, Sept. 15 to deny The Hall’s new owner a liquor license, but city officials said they have not taken any more action since and don’t know why the establishment is closed.
Representatives with The Hall did not immediately respond Tuesday, Sept. 23 for comment.
West Des Moines denied new owner Maria Mendoza a liquor license because of past issues including a previously denied liquor license for another business in the city and an aggravated misdemeanor guilty plea to tax evasion.
Mendoza told the council she wants to open a family-friendly restaurant with live music that offers drinks as part of the dining experience. “I’m looking forward to a fresh start with The Hall,” she added.
Former owner and continuing partner Nick Kuhn told the Des Moines Register that The Hall could continue serving liquor under his existing license. Deputy City Attorney Jessica Grove acknowledged Kuhn’s active liquor license and said that arrangement would be allowed.
West Des Moines officials said Mendoza’s lease for The Hall took effect Aug. 1.
Phillip Sitter covers the suburbs for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. Find out more about him online in the Register’s staff directory.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: West Des Moines’ The Hall closes days after city denies new owner a liquor license
Reporting by Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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