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Pueblo County amends administrative procedures for liquor and marijuana licensing hearings
Summary
Commissioners approved changes to Pueblo County Code chapter 5.16 to let the licensing agent approve certain applications without a hearing in limited circumstances and to streamline hearing officer procedures; the changes do not alter fees, staff said.
Pueblo County commissioners on Jan. 7 approved a resolution amending chapter 5.16 of the Pueblo County Code to streamline administrative procedures for hearings before the Pueblo County Liquor and Marijuana Licensing Board and the hearing officer.
County staff said the changes are administrative only and do not change fee schedules. The amendment allows a licensing agent to approve applications that meet all local and state legal requirements without a hearing when a hearing would otherwise be required but cannot be arranged — for example, when a scheduled board meeting is canceled, the applicant files late, or illness prevents convening a hearing. Staff said the change aims to prevent unnecessary delays for licensees, particularly for time‑sensitive special‑event liquor permits.
A county attorney (staff member Sarah Long) told commissioners the amended language restricts board review to contested or controversial hearing officer decisions; either the licensee or staff can request review by the liquor and marijuana licensing board. She said staff circulated the proposed changes to industry representatives and asked for comments by the end of the business day before the meeting; staff reported receiving no objections.
Commissioners discussed the administrative flexibility and staff efficiency benefits. One commissioner noted the code can be amended again if problems emerge. A motion to approve the resolution passed by voice vote.
The change preserves full board hearings for new operating licenses and for matters that become controversial; it primarily affects hearing officer decisions and certain late‑filed or canceled hearing situations.
Votes at a glance: Resolution to amend Pueblo County Code chapter 5.16 — approved (voice vote; tally not recorded by name).
