The only thing I can think of as to why you are having problems that I haven't already seen. You said you've had this business for several years and in that time I would imagine you've tried several times to get this permit. In the frustration you've possibly rubbed some people the wrong way and they're giving you the run around. I don't know if that would hinder you or what level the decision making is done. I know that if you tick off a building and zoning employee they will nit-pick your property until they run out of trees to make the letters out of. Honesty I don't see how it would hurt having a permit. There are already several bars in that area so the drunks are already out there. It's in your hands to make it a reputable business and not another trash dump of a bar. I will say it would be nice to see you set aside a day or two for the kids to go in(before anyone mentions a babysitting comment, I don't have kids)more so because they are the future of the leagues. Anyway good luck and if you have a petition going, tell me where and when, and I would happily sign it.