Police Chief Defends Franklin Bar Enforcement
Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner rejects claims that her department is conducting a witch hunt against local bars.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner defended her officers against accusations of a witch hunt targeting bars. The Franklin beer board fined Tin Roof II, suspended its beer permit, and changed its ownership to a group calling the restaurant The Rafters.
Why it matters
Faulkner said businesses that sell and serve alcohol have a proactive responsibility to help keep streets safe. Franklin Police said their undercover operations are aimed at impaired driving, alcohol-related safety concerns, and dangerous behaviors associated with alcohol.
Tin Roof II has closed after receiving a fine and beer permit suspension, with ownership transferred to a group calling the restaurant The Rafters. Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor, the only one of the two businesses still operating, has been accused of over-serving customers and being deemed a nuisance, and its plan to address concerns is expected at next week's beer board meeting.
The players
Deb Faulkner
Franklin Police Chief who defended her officers against accusations of a witch hunt targeting bars.
The details
Franklin Police conducted undercover operations targeting businesses that serve alcohol. Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor faces accusations of over-serving customers and being deemed a nuisance, and the business says it will work with the city to address the concerns.
Timeline
Next week: Kimbro's plan to address concerns is expected at the Franklin beer board meeting.
Legal Context
The Franklin beer board's use of fines, permit suspensions, and ownership changes reflects how local licensing authority is applied to alcohol-serving businesses. Enforcement like this is framed by the police and regulators as a proactive measure against impaired driving and alcohol-related safety risks.
Patrons and nearby residents of Franklin bars face increased undercover enforcement and beer board scrutiny of establishments serving alcohol. Businesses that sell alcohol must now meet heightened expectations to address concerns about over-serving and nuisance behavior.
The takeaway
Alcohol-serving businesses in Franklin are being held to stricter accountability for customer safety, and those facing enforcement should expect scrutiny at beer board meetings.
What happens next
Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor is expected to present its plan addressing concerns at next week's Franklin beer board meeting.
Further reading
For more on local police activity, see Law Enforcement coverage in Franklin.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WZTV.
Live Poll
Do you think local police are fair when they target bars for alcohol-related crime?
