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El Paso County approves Gather Mountain Blooms optional premises liquor license for Venetucci Farm events
Summary
The county board approved an optional premises liquor license for Gather Mountain Blooms, a flower farm operating at Venetucci Farm, allowing onsite service at festivals, weekly concerts and private events; the clerk reported state and local requirements had been met and a neighborhood survey showed majority support.
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved an optional premises liquor license for Gather Mountain Blooms, a flower farm operating at Venetucci Farm (application for 5210 South Highway 85). The board voted 4-0 after an abbreviated hearing in which county staff confirmed state and local licensing requirements had been met.
Applicant Nikki McCumsey told the board Gather Mountain Blooms hosts weekly you-pick flower events, a weekly outdoor concert series (Tuesdays, July–September) and an annual Rocky Mountain Flower Fest scheduled for Aug. 9, and that the farm currently arranges outside bar services for private events. McCumsey said the farm intends to have staff who serve alcohol complete TIP/TIPS certification to prevent service to minors and limit overservice.
Carol Johnson of Liquor Pros presented the neighborhood-survey results conducted on behalf of the applicant: 705 attempts were made (42 business attempts, 663 residential attempts) with 123 total signatures returned. Business results included 17 in support, 0 in opposition and 1 no opinion; resident responses included 98 in support, 4 in opposition and 3 no opinion. The clerk reported no opposition had been filed with the county and the sheriff's office found no disqualifying criminal history.
An attorney for the applicant, Vince Linden, and licensing representative Carol Johnson were present; the board moved to accept the application and approved it by roll call 4-0. The applicant and staff said event service for larger concerts and the festival has previously been provided through contracted bar services and the license would allow the farm to manage some serving directly with trained staff.
The minutes recorded no conditions beyond standard liquor-license requirements; the clerk confirmed the application satisfied state and local requirements and the neighborhood survey showed community support.
