A Lafayette bar and grill is out of the hot seat and back in business.  Artmosphere, located on Johnston Street, was facing charges by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. The state requires food sales make up 50% of the business and for Artmosphere that wasn’t the case. Berry Moody owns Artmosphere.  On Wednesday during a hearing, ATC dismissed the charges filed against the business owner. “I told her I personally was giving food away to make sure the business met the percentage,” admitted Moody.

Moody also admitted dipping into her own pocket to help food sales.  ATC states over a course of a year she may have spent about $30,000. “I personally put my own personal funds to purchase food and gave it to people so it was a food sale.  My hope would be in the long run it would increase our food sales so it wouldn’t be necessary,” said Moody.

ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert approved Moody’s food permit until October which is the next application due date. “She was trying to get credit and rightfully on her part. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t allow for that,” explained Hebert.

The dismissal of charges is a second chance for Artmosphere.  Hebert notes it’s a business with a clean record. “Hadn’t sold to minors.  Hadn’t been any real activity that we would be concerned about other than the qualifications activity,” added Hebert.

“I think it was a very fair decision. I think they considered all the facts.  He reviewed it and amen because they dismissed.  We’re able to go forward,” explained Moody.