Boulder Beverage Licensing Authority Holds Hearing for Rocky Mountain Paddle Board Liquor License

The Boulder City Beverage Licensing Authority convened on August 2, 2025, to deliberate on a significant application for a hotel restaurant liquor license submitted by Rocky Mountain Paddle Board LLC, operating as Lakeside at Boulder. This public hearing aimed to gather testimony from interested parties, including residents and business owners in the surrounding neighborhood, to assess the viability of the proposed license.

The meeting began with the swearing-in of several speakers, including Sarah Sparks and Adam Mendelson, who were present to provide testimony. Chairperson Roberts opened the floor for discussions, emphasizing the importance of community input in the licensing process. The authority is tasked with determining whether the application meets the necessary legal criteria as outlined by state law.

Adam Stapen, the attorney representing Rocky Mountain Paddle Board, introduced key individuals who would present supporting evidence for the application. Among them was Eva Garretson, owner of Liquor Pros, a professional survey company that conducted a neighborhood survey to gauge community support for the liquor license. Garretson detailed her organization’s extensive experience in circulating petitions and emphasized their commitment to transparency and adherence to local regulations.

The survey, conducted over several days in late June and early July, aimed to gather feedback from residents in the vicinity of the Boulder Reservoir. Garretson explained that the survey process involved door-to-door outreach, ensuring that residents received comprehensive information about the proposed license and the implications of its approval. She noted that the survey results would play a crucial role in informing the authority's decision.

The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement in the licensing process, as the authority seeks to balance the interests of local businesses with the concerns of residents. The discussions underscored the potential economic benefits of granting the license, which could enhance recreational offerings at the Boulder Reservoir while also raising questions about neighborhood impact.

As the hearing progressed, the authority members engaged in discussions about the neighborhood designation and the implications of the proposed license on local businesses and residents. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for future liquor license applications in Boulder, reflecting the city's evolving landscape of recreational and dining options.

In conclusion, the Boulder City Beverage Licensing Authority's deliberations on the Rocky Mountain Paddle Board liquor license application underscore the critical role of community input in local governance. The authority's decision will not only affect the applicant but also resonate throughout the Boulder community, shaping the future of local business and recreational opportunities. The next steps will involve further review of the testimony and survey results before a final determination is made.