Boulder licensing authority finds emergency grounds as state backlog stalls trainer certifications

The Boulder Beverage Licensing Authority on Wednesday found there were reasonable grounds to consider emergency action after trainers and a business association described a statewide backlog that has prevented responsible-vendor trainers from issuing certificates to employees.

The finding, made at the authority's Jan. 15 hearing, opens consideration of a narrowly framed emergency measure. Board members said they saw a public-safety rationale for a temporary fix because the backlog has blocked a routine training-and-certification process that Boulder requires for employees who sell or serve alcohol.

The authority voted to declare there are reasonable grounds to believe the situation implicates public health, safety or welfare. Chair Michael Califano moved the finding and Member Absalom seconded it; the motion passed by voice vote from members present.

Why it matters: Boulder rules require that employees who sell or serve alcohol receive training certified under state guidance before the city issues certain certification cards. Trainers and retail trade groups told the board that the state's approval process for individual "responsible vendor trainers"…