Riverton council narrows vote to allow earlier Sunday alcohol sales, adopts mandatory server training

The Riverton City Council voted to amend its municipal code to permit earlier Sunday alcohol service and separately adopted a citywide requirement for alcohol server training after an extended public and council debate.

The council approved an amendment to Ordinance 25-001 that changed the city’s previously restricted Sunday opening hour (previously limited in the local ordinance) to begin at 6 a.m., a change supporters said would align Riverton with broader Wyoming practice and help brunch businesses. The council later adopted Ordinance 25-002, requiring employees who serve alcohol to complete a state‑approved server training program.

Why it matters: The hours change drew sustained public comment from local business owners and residents and prompted questions from several council members about public safety and enforcement. The server‑training ordinance, adopted on a unanimous roll call, is intended to standardize responsible‑service practices across Riverton’s licensed establishments.

City staff summarized the proposal for hours and training. Miss Harris, city staff, explained that liquor license holders had requested earlier Sunday hours to accommodate brunch service and sporting‑event schedules, and that staff researched other Wyoming cities before proposing ordinance language. For server training, staff said the proposal would require new hires to complete a state‑approved program within three months of hiring and that licensees submit proof annually at renewal.

Business owner Amanda Henry of Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery urged the council in a written letter (read into the record) to align city hours with state practice, saying, “our restaurant opens at 7 a.m. on Sundays ... our customers consistently express a desire to enjoy popular brunch beverages like mimosas and Irish coffees, options we cannot legally provide under the current city ordinance.” Several other local business owners, including Rob Epema of the Adult Rec Center and bar owner Rafael del Guadillo, also spoke in favor of earlier hours, arguing that responsible operators already refuse service to intoxicated patrons and that extended opening times would support local commerce.

Opposition came from multiple residents and community members who cited local alcohol‑related public‑safety concerns. Nicole Wagon, who identified herself as Northern Arapaho from the Wind River Indian Reservation, opposed the change citing local harms tied to alcohol and personal experience: “I come up here and stand for safety, for the citizens of Riverton.” Jesse Lee, a Riverton resident, urged the council to consider excise or other taxes as a way to raise revenue for treatment and prevention, rather than loosening hours.

Council debate reflected the split in public comment. Councilwoman Rebecca Pearson Lewis moved to amend the ordinance to permit earlier opening (6 a.m.). Councilman Mike Bailey seconded the amendment. Council members exchanged views about enforcement, the correlation between hours and public intoxication, and whether local circumstances (including proximity to the Wind River Reservation and local treatment resources) justified stricter local rules than other Wyoming cities.

On a roll‑call vote the amendment changing the opening hour to 6 a.m. passed 5–2 (Ayes: Eric Carr, Rebecca Pearson Lewis, Mike Bailey, Carla Borders, Mayor Tim Hancock; Nays: Kyle Larson, Karen Johnson). The council then voted on the ordinance as amended; that final adoption likewise passed by the same roll‑call tally.

On the separate server‑training ordinance (25-002), staff noted that many licensees already require training and that the proposed ordinance would standardize the requirement for all licensees, managers and staff who serve alcohol. The ordinance requires training for new hires within three months, annual proof at license renewal, and maintenance of valid certification throughout employment. The council adopted the server‑training ordinance on a unanimous roll‑call vote.

Council and staff emphasized enforcement: several council members urged strict enforcement of existing rules prohibiting service to visibly intoxicated patrons. Staff and speakers noted that Tips (Training for Intervention Procedures) sessions had already been scheduled in Riverton to provide operators access to the program.

The council did not attach a sunset or trial provision to the hours change; some speakers had proposed a temporary trial period but the council moved forward with the amended ordinance. The record shows the council retained authority to revisit the ordinances in later meetings.

The ordinances affect Riverton’s municipal code chapter 5.04 on alcoholic beverages and rely on the city’s authority under state statute to set local hours. The council also received and entered into the public record a written letter from Amanda Henry and multiple public comments on the proposed changes.

Council actions at a glance: - Adopted Ordinance 25-001 (amended): changed city Sunday opening hour from the previously restricted hour to 6 a.m. (amendment passed 5–2 by roll call; final adoption recorded 5–2). The exact ordinance text in the packet governs daily hours and any drive-through limitations; the amendment specifically replaced the previously proposed 10 a.m. Sunday opening with 6 a.m. - Adopted Ordinance 25-002: adopted a city requirement that all employees serving alcohol complete a state‑approved server training program (unanimous roll call). New hires must complete training within three months and provide annual proof at license renewal.

What’s next: The city will publish the updated municipal code language once codified. Staff and the council indicated continued emphasis on enforcement and training; Tips training dates had already been scheduled by staff.

Sources: City staff reports and presentations, council roll‑call votes, public comments and a written letter from Amanda Henry that was read into the record during the meeting.