Riverton council approves first readings to expand liquor hours and require server training amid safety debate

The Riverton City Council on Feb. 11 advanced two related ordinances on first reading that would change local rules for alcohol sales and staff training.

Under the ordinance the council approved on first reading, liquor sales in Riverton would be allowed from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, with drive‑thru sales limited to 6 a.m.–midnight. At the same meeting the council also advanced an ordinance that would require employees who serve alcohol at licensed establishments to complete an approved alcohol‑server training program (commonly called TIPS) within three months of hire and to maintain certification.

The items grew out of an informational meeting staff held with local liquor‑license holders on Nov. 14, 2024, Administrative Services Director Ms. Harris said. "Some license holders brought up the idea of extending Sunday service hours," Harris told the council, and staff surveyed other Wyoming municipalities before recommending the change to match statewide practice.

Why it matters: Council members and business owners disagreed on whether expanding hours would raise or lower public‑safety risks. Supporters said a later start would help restaurants and bars host morning events and finish late tournaments safely; opponents said Fremont County already faces high alcohol‑related arrest and intoxication rates and adding hours risks increasing harm.

Business owners who spoke at the public hearing said later hours can reduce unsafe travel. "There is a safety issue there, too," Jana Peterson, owner of Ralph's Bar, said about forcing patrons onto the road at 10 p.m. on Sundays. "If we keep them here, we can get the cab for them." Lindsay Murphy, a manager at Ralph's, added that many tournament players do not drink but need time to finish matches and that establishments already assist patrons, including paying for taxis when needed.

Opponents cited county statistics and history. "Fremont County, Riverton in particular, has an alcohol consumption problem," Councilwoman Karen Johnson said during council discussion, citing a 2023 report showing high alcohol involvement in custodial arrests in the county. Ron Wartness, a member of the public, urged the council not to expand hours, citing personal and community concerns.

Law enforcement perspective: The city’s police chief (name not specified) told the council, "We're here to enforce the laws that you put in place." Council members discussed enforcement tools such as on‑site compliance checks and relying on employers to keep staff training records available for inspection.

Server training requirements: The proposed training ordinance would require new hires who serve alcohol to complete a state‑approved course (TIPS or similar) within three months and provide proof of certification at liquor‑license renewal. Harris said many local license holders already require training; the ordinance standardizes that requirement citywide. The chief and councilmembers discussed using periodic compliance checks and keeping employee certificates on file at establishments to verify compliance.

Council action: The council held a public hearing on each ordinance and voted to adopt both ordinances on first reading. Both measures advanced by voice vote after debate; council discussion recorded support and opposition but did not record individual roll‑call tallies in the transcript. Staff said the second reading and final action will return to a future meeting.

What’s next: If the council adopts the ordinances on second reading, the municipal code language in Riverton Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 would be updated to allow the new hours and to add a mandatory server‑certification section for licensed establishments. Staff suggested the city could also explore limited special permits or a permit cap if the council wished to allow later hours only for specific events.