Pick N County denies Boulevard Barrels request for beer-and-wine license after residentsraise quality-of-life concerns

The Pick N County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 on April 9 to deny an application from Down Valley Hospitality Inc., doing business as Boulevard Barrel, for a new beer-and-wine liquor license and a takeout/delivery permit for the businesss Redstone Boulevard location.

The decision came after three public hearings, a continuation of the matter, and extensive public comment from nearby residents. Opponents told the commissioners they had documented repeated outdoor alcohol consumption, noise and harassment of neighbors, a camera pointed at a private yard, and incidents they said made them feel unsafe. "Someone who's been drinking, feeling bold enough to approach me or my family at home uninvited" was one complaint read into the record by resident Courtney James, who told the board she had been followed by a patron and had since built a wall of stacked firewood on her porch "so my family can come and go without being watched," she said.

Applicant Justin Lott (on record as "Justin" in the meeting) urged the board to approve the license and said he had offered several operational limits to reduce impacts, including seasonally restricted hours: "May 1 through October 1, the courtyard would close at 08:30 ... interior would close at 9PM." He also said he would limit occupancy and bring a fuller food menu to the business if the license were granted. Lott said he would appeal a denial if the board voted against him.

County staff had recommended denial in a draft resolution, citing the land-use "reasonable requirements of the neighborhood" standard and parking/design requirements of the Pick N County land-use code. Staff advised removing two cited lighting/design violations from the denial after the applicant corrected those issues prior to the hearing; the board approved the denial with that amendment.

Commissioners discussed possible conditions that might allow the business to operate and proposed a path that would have let the applicant demonstrate compliance over a probationary period. Ultimately a majority voted to deny the license, though commissioners repeatedly signaled a desire for the business and neighbors to repair relations: "We wish for your success, mister Abad, and we wish for cohesion in Redstone," the chair said after the vote.

The board amendment removed language referring to lighting and design violations that had been cured; the denial therefore rested on remaining land-use and neighborhood-support grounds and the boards determination that evidence on the record did not demonstrate sufficient demonstrated demand or compatibility under the countys standards. The final vote was 3 in favor of denial and 2 opposed. The applicant said he would pursue an appeal in state processes.

What happens next: The applicant may appeal the commissions denial to the state liquor enforcement process and to the courts if needed. The denial will be reflected in the county minutes and the applicant will retain the right to reapply or pursue appeals under state law.

Quotes (from the transcript) "May 1 through October 1, the courtyard would close at 08:30 ... interior would close at 9PM." Justin (applicant) "Someone who's been drinking, feeling bold enough to approach me or my family at home uninvited." Courtney James (neighbor) "We wish for your success, mister Abad, and we wish for cohesion in Redstone." Chair, Pick N County Board of County Commissioners

Votes at a glance - Motion: Approve resolution denying application for a new beer-and-wine license and a takeout/delivery permit for Down Valley Hospitality Inc. (Boulevard Barrel), with amendment removing cured lighting/signage violations. Outcome: Denied. Vote tally: 3 yes, 2 no.

Context and next steps The decision follows repeated neighborhood complaints about on-site outdoor gatherings and alleged unpermitted expansion of activity onto outdoor courtyard areas. The applicant said he would continue to pursue licensing through appeals if the county denial stands.

Speakers and documents referenced during debate included: applicant Justin Lott; neighbors Courtney James, Jason James and Matt Schumacher; county staff (Sam, Historic staff, Planning & Zoning) and multiple written comments submitted into the record. The board recorded the denial as an action of the Board of County Commissioners on April 9, 2025.

Ending The denial does not prohibit the applicant from reapplying or appealing to state licensing authorities; the county emphasized it could revisit approvals if the applicant demonstrates compliance and neighborhood reconciliation at a later date.