Coast is Dry

Fayetteville’s Emerald Coast Gourmet Coffee Shop lost its liquor license July 1 because the owner neglected to fill out the forms to renew it, the restaurant’s manager says.

‘But the state’s office of Alcoholic Beverage Control has a different story. The ABC says Emerald Coast failed to pay state sales taxes, and a $250 fine is being assessed every 60 days until the taxes are paid.

‘Jim Branham, tax adjuster for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, says Emerald Coast hasn’t paid sales taxes since October 1996. The business owes $24,391 in state sales taxes from October through March. Emerald Coast hasn’t filed the paperwork yet for April and May, so taxes for those months are also due. The June tax info isn’t due until July 20.

‘Branham says Emerald Coast hasn’t requested a repayment plan, and no lien has been filed by his office against the business.

‘The Dickson Street restaurant was still open at press time July 10, but serving only coffee and food. The manager, who requested his name not be used in this column, says the license should be back in place any day now.

‘Losing the license came shortly after John Strong, who owns one-third of Emerald Coast, filed for personal bankruptcy.