Board recommends denial of a Lakeside liquor license application after sheriff raises concerns

The Navajo County Board of Supervisors heard an application for a liquor license for Birdies 2, a Lakeside restaurant franchise, and discussed a sheriff—s office recommendation that the county not recommend approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor.

County staff said health, planning and the treasurer—s office had cleared the application, but the sheriff—s office opposed it based on background-check results that indicated an individual associated with the business was not listed on the liquor license application and might not qualify to obtain a license. Department of Liquor materials submitted to county staff showed a partial owner listed in some records but not on the state liquor application, county staff said. The applicant disputed those assertions and told the board she had been repeatedly visited by sheriff's personnel and characterized that contact as harassment.

A supervisor moved to recommend denial to the Department of Liquor based on the sheriff—s information and concerns about undisclosed involvement; the motion was seconded. After discussion and questions about timelines and the county—s advisory role (the Department of Liquor makes final licensing decisions), the board recorded the vote. Staff told the applicant how to follow up with the sheriff—s office and Department of Liquor; the transcript shows the board made a formal recommendation reflecting the sheriff—s concerns and directed the applicant to seek clarification from sheriff—s staff and state regulators.