Melbourne, FL – On January 1, 2025, the 26-year-old manager of County Line Saloon in downtown Melbourne was arrested for violating a city ordinance by keeping the establishment open past its permitted hours of operation and resisting law enforcement officers.
According to a police affidavit, Sergeant Garry Hibbs of the Melbourne Police Department was conducting routine patrols when he noticed the bar, located at 815 East New Haven Avenue, was still open and serving alcohol at 2:10 a.m. City Ordinance 6-2 prohibits the sale of alcohol and operation of businesses during restricted hours from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Upon entering the establishment, officers found patrons inside and alcohol being served. Staff members were unable to locate the manager, Hunter Benninger, who was later called via the bar’s internal communication system. Shortly after, Benninger exited from the rear of the establishment and was arrested for violating the ordinance.
