LaPorte Man Arrested For Operating Unlicensed Bar Out of Home

Source: Photo by Christopher Furlong via Getty Images.

LAPORTE, Ind. — Scott Meece of LaPorte, Indiana was arrested back on July 17th of this year for operating an unlicensed full-service bar out of his home according to court documents.

The Indiana State Police conducted a months long investigation with undercover officers purchasing beer at Meece’s “Iron Horse Saloon.” The saloon was run out of Meece’s residence on McClung Road.

Meece originally told investigators that the Iron Horse Saloon was a not-for-profit organization, with the $10 cover that the bar charged patrons going toward charities. He additionally claimed that the alcohol was brought from family and friends who were just there visiting.

These claims would later be debunked as the investigation discovered Meece was charging for the drinks. $2 for beer and $3 for mixed drinks. He also had dated logs that were keeping track of profits and costs of operating the bar.

Meece also had multiple men and women who would work for him as servers and bartenders. Police found documents that contained rules and a dress code for “employees”.

Court documents say that purchasing alcohol wasn’t the only problem going on at the bar as gambling and food service were happening as well.

Police would seize over 200 bottles of alcohol during their raid of Meece’s home, as well as some marijuana. He has since been released from the LaPorte County jail but faces up to two and a half years in prison on charges of maintaining a common nuisance.