HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.07.06 LLA MinutesWheat Ridge Liquor Licensing
Authority
Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
A. Roll Call
The virtual public hearing of the Liquor Licensing Authority of Wheat Ridge was called to
order on July 6, 2026, at 2:01 PM by Hearing Officer Kendra Carberry. Present at the
meeting are Kendra Carberry Hearing Officer, Nick Klein City Attorney (License No. 58945), Lucy Spalenka Deputy City Clerk, Eva Garretson Liquor Pros, Attorney Adam Stapen (License No. 27506), Erin & Kyle Ballew with Dops, and Jesse Turkus & Matthew Yamali from COlorado Hots. It was noted that Sarah Hutchinson was present via Zoom as
an observer only and did not wish to provide comment on any of the applications before the
Authority.
B. Colorado Hots, LLC
The Authority considered an application from Colorado Hots, LLC, dba Colorado Hots, requesting a new Hotel & Restaurant Liquor License for premises located at 3890 Kipling Street, Unit J, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.
Hearing Officer Carberry raised a concern regarding the current lease agreement, noting that its expiration date of July 6, 2027 would not provide sufficient time following license approval to ensure the licensee would be in possession of the premises for the duration of the
license term. Accordingly, she requested that the applicant submit an amended lease
agreement with an expiration date of no earlier than August 15 or August 31, 2027. Representatives for Colorado Hots — Jesse Turkus and Matthew Yamali — were present via Zoom and agreed to submit an amended lease.
The matter was continued to allow the applicant to provide a compliant amended lease. No re-noticing was determined to be required, as the public hearing was continued to a date certain.
The application was continued to Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:00 am via zoom to allow
the applicant to submit an amended lease agreement with an expiration date of at least
August 2027.
C. Dops Sweet Spot, LLC
The Authority considered an application from Dops Sweet Spot, LLC, dba Dops, requesting a
new Beer & Wine Liquor License for premises located at 3765 Johnson Street, Wheat Ridge,
CO 80033.
The applicant was represented by Attorney Adam Stapen (License No. 27506) of Dill and
Dill. Owners and operators Kyle and Erin Ballew were also present. Kyle Ballew spoke to the
origins of Dops Sweet Spot, the business's intention to become an active part of the local community, and the family's personal investment in the neighborhood, noting that they reside with their two young children just two blocks from the proposed premises. Mr. Ballew also
spoke about how customers would be identified as being over 21, points of access and egress to the property, and the signage that will be posted.
City Attorney Nick Klein waived cross-examination on behalf of the city.
A brief discussion took place between Attorney Stapen and Hearing Officer Carberry regarding the nature of the lease, which is contingent upon approval of the license. It was confirmed that a contingent lease is permissible under Colorado Revised Statutes to demonstrate possession of the premises.
The Deputy City Clerk presented the following findings in support of the application:
●Proper fees have been remitted to both the City of Wheat Ridge and the State ofColorado.
●The applicant holds legal possession of the property by virtue of a commercial leasedated February 15, 2026, with an expiration date of July 31, 2031.
●The property is in compliance with applicable zoning regulations and city ordinances.
●Public hearing notice requirements under C.R.S. § 44-3-311 were satisfied:publication on the city website occurred June 17, 2026; publication in the JeffcoTranscript occurred June 25, 2026; and the required sign was posted on the premisesJune 26, 2026.
●The officers of the company are Aaron and Kyle Ballew, residing at 3501 Hoyt Street,
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033; the on-site operating manager will be Erin Ballew.
●The Wheat Ridge Police Department completed its background investigation withresults supporting approval.
●A needs and desires survey conducted by Liquor Pros yielded 93% support and 7%
opposition to granting the license.
Upon consideration of the findings and testimony presented, Hearing Officer Carberry approved the application.
Hearing Officer Kendra Carberry approved the new Beer & Wine Liquor License for
Dops Sweet Spot, LLC, dba Dops, for premises located at 3765 Johnson Street, Wheat
Ridge, CO 80033.
D. Adjourn
______________________________________
Lucy Spalenka, Deputy City Clerk