The Hall is denied liquor license by West Des Moines City Council
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The West Des Moines City Council voted Monday night to deny a liquor license for a new owner of The Hall in Valley Junction, citing her past legal and tax troubles.
State of play: Maria Mendoza told Axios she took over The Hall around a month ago after purchasing its assets. She told council members she wants to improve the beer hall's food and entertainment offerings, while maintaining a family-friendly space.
- She previously owned a nightclub, Xcaret Club and Lounge at 2700 University Ave. from 2018-23. She faced a tax evasion charge and the club was also denied a liquor license under her husband's ownership.
- Nick Kuhn, who founded The Hall in 2017, told the council Monday night that he approved of Mendoza taking over and said he had been looking for a buyer following business struggles caused by the pandemic.
- The Hall is operating under his liquor license.
Friction point: Mendoza recently applied for her own Class C liquor license, which allows beer, wine and hard liquor sales.
- WDM city staff recommended the council deny it, saying she failed the state's "good moral character" requirement, according to city documents.
- Council records cite a deferred judgment for fraudulent practice third degree in 2021, a delayed sales tax permit for Xcaret, and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division found she misrepresented facts in a liquor license application for the club.
- WDM police also say they received an average of 16 calls annually while Mendoza was Xcaret's owner. The subsequent nightclub that took over had eight calls annually, per Jessica Grove, deputy city attorney.
What they're saying: Mendoza acknowledged her past mistakes, but told the council she's grown and looks forward to a "fresh start" at The Hall.
- Kuhn also advocated for Mendoza and said her lease states no night clubs are allowed.
The bottom line: The council voted to deny the license, but Mendoza told Axios there are "some options" she can still do with the space.
- Councilperson Renee Hardman expressed hope a reconsideration could happen someday and that a business owner's mistake "doesn't affect them for the next 80 years."