Indianapolis Denies Liquor License for Connor's Pub
Officials cite public nuisance concerns and invalid permits in the decision to shut down the long-standing local bar.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Alcohol and Tobacco Commission officially denied the liquor license renewal for Connor's Pub in October 2026. This decision effectively forces the closure of the establishment, which has operated at 6331 Ferguson St. since 1979.
Why it matters
The license denial stems from repeated regulatory violations and a history of law enforcement incidents at the site. These issues led the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board to classify the business as a public nuisance.
Located at 6331 Ferguson St., the bar operated under John Yaggi since 2003 until he sold the property in 2026. Officials based their decision on evidence including 10 charges filed against Yaggi related to tax evasion and soliciting sex.
The players
John Yaggi
The former owner of Connor's Pub who faced 10 charges related to tax evasion and solicitation of sex from an employee.
Alcohol and Tobacco Commission
The state agency responsible for regulating alcohol sales that designated the pub as a public nuisance.
Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board
The local regulatory body that voted to recommend the denial of the establishment's liquor license.
The details
The Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board found that employees consistently served alcohol without valid permits and failed to maintain order. While the owner previously attempted to implement a corrective action plan, persistent issues, including a November 2025 shooting, triggered the final board vote.
Timeline
Connor's Pub opened in 1979.
A fatal shooting occurred at the bar in October 2019.
An altercation involving gunshots occurred in November 2025.
The beverage board met to discuss license renewal on September 8, 2026.
Officials officially upheld the license denial in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The closure marks a tightening of regulatory oversight regarding public safety standards in the Indianapolis bar industry. This trend reflects a broader shift toward using licensing authority to mitigate operational risks in entertainment districts.
Patrons should anticipate the permanent closure of the venue as the license denial process concludes. Residents in the Broad Ripple area may notice the cessation of business operations following the final regulatory action.
The takeaway
The closure highlights the necessity for hospitality businesses to maintain strict adherence to state permits and public safety regulations. Local operators can avoid similar outcomes by prioritizing proactive compliance with local beverage boards.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
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