Judge shuts Carmel bar down permanently

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - A popular bar has been banned from doing business in Carmel.

Thursday, a judge issued a permanent injunction to the owners of Double Apple Lounge and restaurant after a series of violations, which include serving alcohol to minors. It can never again operate in the city of Carmel.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said illegal activity will not be tolerated.

“These people take part in flagrantly disobeying the laws … . It is not fair,” he said.

A sign posted on the establishment’s front door says: “You must be 21 to enter.” But court documents show the owners didn't follow those rules. Most recently, Excise Police made a shocking discovery inside the bar located at 4004 W. 96th St.

“Minors were in the bar buying drinks,” Brainard said. “When the excise police arrived ... they tried to hide the minors in the kitchen.”

But Excise Police later said the owners never should have received a permit because they lied on the application submitted in 2010. The owners reported no one with an interest in the permit had been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Turns out, Miguel Sarria, one of the owners, was convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence in 2008.

The owners did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. The defendants showed up late to today's hearing. When they finally showed up, they didn’t object to the permanent injunction shutting them down.

Excise Police said they do have an application filed for a permit for a new location, but there was no address listed on the application.