FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Despite a state law that has recently been enforced against The Deck at the Gas House, the downtown restaurant is still set to open come mid-May. 

Jeff Hall, one of the restaurant's owners, tells the Journal Gazette The Deck will be ready to serve customers starting in mid-May, even if the eatery has to operate differently.

The establishment needs to get a waiver from the State Board of Health. According to state law, open-air bars are banned. However, The Deck has been operating for years in downtown Fort Wayne without any issues.

The ban become an issue when owners submitted a plan to expand the outdoor eatery. The plan would double its size, by adding to the bar, dining area plus a kitchen. Allen County health officials notified the owners that they were not in compliance with state law regarding the open-air bar.

Hall said that one option would include bringing alcohol from the restaurant to The Deck when ordered.