Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is asking the State to allow The Deck, an outdoor restaurant and bar overlooking the Saint Mary’s River, to reopen and expand as planned.
The Indiana State Department of Health claims The Deck at Hall’s Gas House does not comply with the state food code. The law doesn’t allow the type of open-air bar The Deck has operated for more than ten years. Any food or drink production needs walls, which even mobile food trucks have.
John Silcox with the Fort Wayne Allen County Department of Health says his department is working with The Deck’s owner.
“We’ve tried to guide them on how they need to go about the process of seeking a variance from the state health department that allows them to continue operating the bar as it’s currently constructed," says Silcox.
In the meantime, Mayor Tom Henry is advocating for the establishment, asking ISDH for a quote “common-sense solution.”
Fort Wayne recently completed a riverfront development study with the aim of increasing visitors, businesses, and quality of life. The owners of The Deck have plans to expand its frontage along the Saint Mary’s.
All Indiana counties have about 30 days to comment on the application for the variance, which the state is currently considering.