The Boulder Beverage Licensing Authority on June 18 found that El Taco Imperial del Texcala, 2850 Iris Avenue Suite H, unlawfully served alcoholic beverages to two underage operatives during a compliance check on April 4, 2025, and ordered a 10-day suspension of the establishment's hotel-restaurant liquor license, with an additional 20 days held in reserve if the licensee commits a new violation within one year.

Officer Leah Rech of the Boulder Police Department testified that two 19-year-old operatives entered the restaurant during an enforcement visit, were handed drink menus, ordered a frozen margarita and a mojito, and were served without being asked for identification. "Both of the operatives were served the beverages that they ordered," Officer Rech said under oath. The operatives carried Colorado vertical driver's licenses indicating they were under 21; none was asked for ID at the time of service, Rech testified.

Licensee Margarita Castrejon acknowledged she served one of the drinks and said she was nervous and not typically the bartender that day. "I thought in my mind that I had to ask for an ID, but then it was too late, and I had already served a drink," Castrejon told the authority.

The board voted that the licensee had violated state and local liquor laws by unlawfully procuring alcohol for underage persons. Member Carr moved that the authority find a violation; the motion carried by voice vote of members present. For penalty, Member Carr moved, and Member Barnes seconded, a table-value discipline of two counts of sale/service to a minor: 10 days served and 20 days in abeyance. The motion passed by voice vote. The board directed city licensing staff to prepare suspension posters; the licensee was told posters would be ready for pickup June 24 and the suspension would begin at midnight on June 25.

The authority distinguished its factual finding (that service to minors occurred) from mitigation arguments. Board members noted Castrejon's apology and asserted that inadvertent nervousness is not a substitute for an owner or manager ensuring compliance. The authority also explained the administrative process for imposing a fine in lieu of suspension if the licensee requests it after a penalty is determined but before posting.

The decision follows the city’s enforcement practice that compliance checks using underage operatives are probative evidence of on-premises practices. The board recorded the violation and the penalty in the authority’s minutes; the licensee may pursue any administrative remedies available after the suspension is posted.

Ending: The authority closed deliberations after voting; the clerk said suspension posters and instructions would be emailed to the licensee and ready for pickup on June 24. The licensee may remain open for food service during the suspension but may not sell alcohol for the 10 days specified.