Commissioners Review Sida Liquors License Renewal Following Two Violations in Two Years

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners convened on August 26, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, including a significant application for the renewal of a retail liquor store license for Sida Liquors Inc., operating as Spirit's House Liquors, located at 6 Whitefield Boulevard.

The meeting began with a presentation from Jackie Allred, the clerk to the board, who provided background on the application. The store had previously received a state violation for selling alcohol to a minor on February 3, 2025, marking its second violation within a two-year period. The first violation occurred on October 10, 2023. Due to these violations, the store was not eligible for administrative approval, and the board was tasked with reviewing the renewal application.

Vince Linden, the attorney representing the applicant, introduced Bedur Bhatari, the store owner. Linden explained that the violations were linked to an employee who had worked at the store for eight years and had undergone training. Despite the employee's long tenure, she committed the offense shortly after the store was purchased. Linden emphasized that the employee was terminated following the second violation and that the store had since implemented stricter measures to prevent future infractions.

The proposed measures included a new point-of-sale system that would require all customers to present valid identification, which could not be overridden by employees. This system aims to ensure compliance with liquor laws and prevent sales to minors. Linden argued that the store owners had invested significantly in the business and had taken steps to rectify past mistakes, including hiring an attorney and undergoing training programs.

Terry Sample, the senior county attorney, provided her perspective on the situation, clarifying that the board had the authority to proceed with the renewal despite the previous violations. She noted that the state had already imposed penalties, including a fine and a suspension, and that the local authority could not penalize the store twice for the same offense.

Commissioners raised questions regarding the effectiveness of the new point-of-sale system and the implications of the renewal decision on the store's operations. It was confirmed that the renewal would only affect this specific location and not the owners' other businesses.

After thorough discussions, the board prepared to make a decision on the renewal application. The meeting underscored the importance of compliance with liquor laws and the potential consequences of violations, while also highlighting the steps taken by the store owners to improve their operations and prevent future issues. The board's decision will be pivotal for the future of Spirit's House Liquors and its owners' investment in the community.