Commissioners approve renewal of Park County liquor licenses; clerk reports 23 full retail licenses

Park County commissioners approved the annual renewal of the county's liquor licenses for the term beginning July 20, 2025 and ending July 20, 2026.

Carrie Smith of the Park County Clerk's Office told the board the county has 23 full retail liquor licenses, 14 of which carry a guest-ranch designation, and three malt-beverage permits. Smith said one license remained available under the state's population-based allocation and that some licenses require a U.S. Forest Service lease or other special designations; she told commissioners that applicants had satisfied county renewal requirements.

During discussion commissioners asked how the state allocates the number of full retail licenses; Smith said the total number is based on population and set by state statute. Commissioners also discussed the practical effect of the guest-ranch designation, which allows retailing throughout a ranch property for guest activities; planning staff explained the designation requires the operator to provide guest-ranch activities such as corral rides or chuckwagon dinners.

A motion to close the public hearing and a motion to approve the renewals passed by unanimous voice vote. The board discussed long-term planning concerns, including whether the county should develop a policy for allocating a remaining license if multiple applicants apply in the future and the economic effect that limited numbers can have on license value and transfers.