Board renews Boulevard Barrel off‑premise liquor license with reduced weekend and Sunday hours after neighbor concerns

Pitkin County commissioners voted unanimously to renew an off‑premise fermented malt beverage and wine retail license for Down Valley Hospitality Inc., doing business as Boulevard Barrel in Redstone, and added hour restrictions the board said aim to balance business needs with neighborhood quiet.

Chair Kelly opened discussion after staff summarized the inspection and licensing background. Sam Engen, liquor licensing administrator, told the board the establishment has held a valid license for just over a year and that state liquor enforcement completed an inspection earlier in June. Staff recommended approval of the renewal.

Licensee Justin Abad, who participated remotely, told the board he has been operating on reduced and inconsistent hours because of family circumstances; he described his desired baseline hours for the next 12 months as Monday–Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. and ending 8:30 p.m. during the week and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with earlier seasonal closings in off‑season. Abad strongly denied allegations in a written letter about on‑premise service and said complaints have harmed his business. “Unequivocally, I'll deny them,” Abad said of the accusations.

Public comment included a positive endorsement from resident Toni Kronberg, who described “a very positive experience” purchasing alcohol for off‑site events and said the owner had been explicit that there is no on‑site consumption.

After discussion, the board amended the renewal resolution to add hours: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday and noon–8 p.m. Sunday. Commissioners asked staff to follow up on compliance and monitoring during the year.

Outcome: The motion to approve the renewal as amended carried 4‑0.