Lawsuit Filed About Jonesboro Private Club Alcohol Permit

A suit has been filed challenging the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board`s granting of a private-club mixed-drink permit for a downtown Jonesboro restaurant. The suit also asks a judge to order an investigation of the ABC. The suit was filed in Craighead County Circuit Court by Batesville attorney Jay F. Shell on behalf of 38 plaintiffs. It claims the ABC failed to follow state law and its own rules in granting a private-club liquor permit to Piero Trimarchi. He is the owner of Piero`s Main Street Bistro. The permit was issued on March 17th, and the restaurant officially became a private club on April First. In the suit, Shell asks the court to revoke the permit and, quote, "order an investigation into ABC board practices, given the total abdication of its responsibilities and sworn duties." The suit did not say who should carry out such an investigation. Shell did not return a telephone message seeking elaboration on the request for an investigation.