Pa’ Pikar had license to sell just wine and beer
Pa’ Pikar sat dark during the lunch hour after police reported that Edsel Abad Rodriguez La Versa, 31, listed as owner/manager of the Latin bar and grill, and Joshua David Lopez Pena, 31, were arrested Friday. (Photo/Ken Jackson)
A downtown Kissimmee restaurant was closed Tuesday afternoon, the day Kissimmee Police announced the results of an operation that resulted in two arrests and the seizure of dozens of bottles of alcohol.
Pa’ Pikar sat dark during the lunch hour after police reported that Edsel Abad Rodriguez La Versa, 31, listed as owner/manager of the Latin bar and grill, and Joshua David Lopez Pena, 31, were arrested Friday and charged with third-degree felony violations of state alcohol sales statutes.
Police say the establishment was serving liquor despite holding only a license that permits the sale of beer or wine. One of the complaints also referenced the alleged sale of illegal narcotics inside the business, but this has not been addressed further in any other charges or affidavits.
The arrest warrant shows the same Orlando address for the pair, whose jail records show were released on separate $2,500 bonds Sunday.
Kissimmee Police conducted undercover operations and bought drinks with rum and whiskey in December and January, served by the suspects. In one sale, the detective noted, “The bottle used was unlabeled and stored behind and underneath the bar. This method is commonly used to conceal items not intended to be visible.”
With assistance from The Kissimmee Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT), Patrol Division, Forensics Unit, Criminal Investigations Division (CID), and agents with the Osceola Narcotics Investigative Bureau (ONIB), detectives executed a search warrant at the business, leading to the arrests.
“This investigation highlights the importance of coordinated enforcement and community reporting,” said Kissimmee Police Chief Charles Broadway. “The illegal sale of alcohol creates public safety concerns, and we will continue working with our state and local partners to address violations and protect our community.”
A city official said the charges are not connected to an ordinance passed in July requiring downtown establishments that want to sell alcohol after midnight to apply for and acquire a $250 special annual permit. That went into effect Oct. 1.
