Commissioners renew Meridian Ranch Liquor license after owner discloses past underage‑sale violation

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners voted 5‑0 on July 8 to renew a retail liquor license for MR Liquor LLC doing business as Meridian Ranch Liquor, located at 11890 Stapleton Drive in Commissioner District 2.

Jackie Allred, clerk to the board manager, told the commissioners the applicant received a state violation on Sept. 28, 2024 for a sale to a 17‑year‑old underage enforcement operative and therefore was not eligible for administrative approval. The stipulation agreement and order were included in the board’s packet, Allred said, and no adverse comments had been received from the sheriff’s investigator.

Jasper Hunjan spoke on behalf of owner Kuldeep Hunjan and said the employee involved had worked about a month, sold to the underage operative, and was subsequently fired. Hunjan said the store conducts regular employee training and uses point‑of‑sale safeguards; he asked the commissioners to approve the license renewal and said he regretted the violation.

Vice Chair Williams moved approval of the renewal with a second; the roll call recorded votes of “aye” from Commissioner Wysong, Commissioner Nelson, Commissioner Applegate, Vice Chair Williams and Chair Jared Geithner. The motion passed 5‑0.

Ending — Compliance notes: Commissioners asked about corrective training and verification systems; the applicant described recurring employee training and POS checks and confirmed the business has paid fines and completed required training.