Lemmy’s Pizzeria owner denied Cereal Malt Beverage license

5-7-2010 Kansas:

Last night, city commissioners unanimously voted to decline a Cereal Malt Beverage license for Jason Lembright, owner of Lemmy’s Pizzeria and registered sex offender. The commissioners also unanimously voted to accept the proposed plan for the Community Development Block Grant.

The commissioners decided that former K-State football player Lembright does not meet every requirement to qualify for a CMD license. In addition to meeting the objective qualifications to obtain a CMD license, a citizen must be deemed “of good character and reputation in the community which he or she resides.”

Lembright was convicted of sexual battery against a 21-year-old female in Manhattan. His 10-year sex offender registration began in 2007. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 25 hours of community service, which he served.

When completing his CMD license application, Lembright informed the city of his status on the sex offender registration list.

“I let everyone I hire — especially females — know I am on the [sex offender registration] list,” Lembright said. “I’m not trying to hide anything. I can’t change the past, but I am putting forth my best efforts to run an honest and family-friendly business.”

Before the commissioners voted, Lembright said he has raised over $1,000 for schools in Manhattan, given leftover food from Lemmy’s Pizzeria to a homeless shelter and held fundraisers for the K-State marching band.

However, commissioner Jayme Morris-Hardeman said, “It is difficult for me to find anyone on this list of good character.”

The other commissioners said they agree with Morris-Hardeman.

“I will continue running the restaurant,” Lembright said. “I get more joy out of seeing people happy when they leave my restaurant than by making money.”

Mayor Bruce Snead said this had set a precedent and hoped the commission had been fair. ..Source.. Natalie Birzer