Owners request minors be allowed to eat at Hunter’s Den; commission asks state’s attorney to draft amendment to county liquor resolution

Owners of the Hunter’s Den requested permission May 6, 2025, to allow minors into their bar to consume a meal. The request was addressed during a Ward County Commission meeting and prompted legal review.

Why it matters: Allowing minors in alcohol-licensed premises for meal consumption requires changes to local licensure regulations. The commission did not grant immediate approval but directed the State’s Attorney to draft changes to Resolution No. 3-2018 concerning alcoholic beverage retail sale licensure and transfers for special events.

Cory and Theresa Neilson, owners of Hunter’s Den, asked the commission to permit minors to enter their establishment for meal service. A motion to approve the request was made by Commissioner Rostad and seconded by Commissioner Olson but was withdrawn after discussion and on the recommendation of State’s Attorney Roza Larson, who suggested amending Resolution #3-2018. The minutes state Ms. Larson will draw up an amendment pertaining to liquor-license transfers for special events and allowing minors in a Bar and Grill environment; the amendment was scheduled for a first reading at the next regular meeting.

No vote to change the resolution was taken at the May 6 meeting; the owners’ immediate request was not approved. The minutes do not include the proposed amendment text, an implementation timeline, or whether the county will solicit public comment before the first reading.