'Beer belly pageant' canceled

LAKESIDE, Calif., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The owner of the California bar says he had to cancel plans for a "beer belly pageant" due to a permit dispute with county officials.

Jason Nichols, owner of the Eastbound Bar & Grill in Lakeside, said county officials initially told him he would not need a permit to host the event as part of a fundraiser for the Lakeside Skatepark, but San Diego County sheriff's deputies told him Thursday he could not hold the pageant without applying for a permit, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Friday.

"I'm really bummed out," he said. "East County and beer bellies go hand-in-hand."

Nichols said he may file for a permit and reschedule the event, which was also to include a silent auction and a raffle, for October.