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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.12 LLA MinutesCall To Order Hearing Officer Kendra Carberry called the meeting of the Wheat Ridge Liquor Licensing Authority to order at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Ms. Carberry noted she was attending from a coffee shop due to wind-related internet issues at her residence but apologized for any background noise. Public Hearing – New Brew Pub Liquor License Application Called to Order: 2:06 PM Ms. Carberry opened the public hearing for Prost Biergarten Denver, LLC, doing business as Prost Brewing Company, seeking a new brew pub liquor license at 3801 Clear Creek Drive, Wheat Ridge, CO 80401. Attorney Appearances: Robert Nagle, Attorney Registration #41932, representing the applicant Nicholas Klein, Registration #58145, representing the City of Wheat Ridge Testimony and Evidence: Laura Lynn from Alcohol Petitioning Services testified regarding the reasonable requirements and desires of the neighborhood survey. The petition was conducted on December 2, 2025, with two circulators contacting 189 locations within the designated boundary area. Of the 35 signatures obtained, 22 residents and 11 businesses signed in favor, with only 2 residents in opposition who declined to provide reasons. The survey Wheat Ridge Liquor Licensing Authority Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026, 2:00 AM showed that 55.6% of eligible people contacted provided signatures supporting the petition, with no disqualified signatures. Boyd Hoback, Director of Beer Gardens for Prost Brewing Company, provided detailed testimony about the operation. He explained that Prost operates three existing beer gardens and specializes in German lagers with approximately 12 core beers and seasonal offerings. The operation features counter service for both food and beverages, with no traditional table service. The proposed location will employ approximately 50 people, with only bartenders required to complete TIPS certification. Mr. Hoback outlined the proposed hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The establishment maintains strict ID policies, refusing vertical IDs and expired identification, and requires ID checks for all patrons regardless of apparent age. The food-to- alcohol sales ratio is expected to be approximately 50-50, featuring German-influenced cuisine alongside Americanized options. The facility includes a patio area enclosed by waist-high wooden rail fencing with emergency exits and appropriate signage prohibiting alcohol removal from the premises. Staff will maintain regular presence on the patio for pre-busing and food delivery. The City of Wheat Ridge did not present witnesses, relying on the staff report and incorporated exhibits. All exhibits 2a through 2j were admitted into the record without objection. Decision: Ms. Carberry found that the reasonable requirements of the neighborhood are not fully met by existing licensed premises and that adult inhabitants desire the license be granted. She approved the brew pub liquor license application, reminding the applicant that no alcohol may be served until the physical license is received and warning of potential enforcement actions by both state and local authorities. Public Hearing Closed: 2:31 PM Public Hearing – New Hotel And Restaurant Liquor License Application Called to Order: 2:31 PM Ms. Carberry opened the public hearing for Wings My Way LLC, doing business as Wings My Way, seeking a new hotel and restaurant liquor license at 4990 Kipling Street, Suite B-15, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Attorney Appearances: Nicholas Klein, Registration #58145, representing the City of Wheat Ridge Applicant Representatives: Gloria Husky, owner Teresa Cosgrove, co-applicant Omar Hernandez, co-applicant Testimony and Evidence: Eva Garrettson from Liquor Licensing Professionals testified regarding the neighborhood survey conducted on February 27-28, 2026. The survey attempted contact with 404 business owners, managers, and residents within the designated boundary area. Of 122 signatures obtained, 33 business owners and managers signed in favor (100%), while 89 residential signatures showed 87 in favor (98%) and 2 opposed (2%). The opposition provided no specific reasons for their position. The survey demonstrated a 98% overall approval rate, clearly indicating positive need and desire for the license. The applicants explained that Wings My Way will operate as a counter-service restaurant specializing in chicken wings, comprising approximately 90% of the menu. Additional offerings will include chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, and chili fries. The establishment will serve draft and bottled beer along with cocktails from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with breakfast burritos served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM without alcohol service, Monday through Saturday. Gloria Husky confirmed she has already completed responsible service certification, and Omar Hernandez noted his 12 years of prior liquor license experience. All floor employees (approximately 8 total) will receive TIPS certification. The counter-service model provides clear sightlines throughout the establishment, with no hidden areas. The facility includes an outdoor patio with 28-seat capacity, featuring umbrellas but no permanent roof covering. The applicants committed to maintaining staff presence on the patio for pre-busing and monitoring, with appropriate signage posted regarding alcohol policies. All exhibits 3a through 3j were admitted into the record. Ms. Carberry noted that preliminary findings were not provided but obtained waivers from the applicants to proceed with the hearing. Decision: Ms. Carberry found that reasonable requirements of the neighborhood are not currently being met by other establishments and that adult inhabitants desire the license be granted. She approved the hotel and restaurant liquor license application, emphasizing that no alcohol service may commence until the physical license is received and cautioning about potential undercover enforcement operations. Public Hearing Closed: 2:48 PM Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:50 PM after Ms. Carberry provided guidance to city staff regarding preparation of preliminary findings for future hearings. ____________________________________ Lucy Spalenka, Deputy City Clerk