Lancaster County panel recommends continued liquor license for Hidden Valley Golf Course despite zoning limits

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on April 21 recommended approval of a Class 1B liquor license for Hidden Valley Holdings LLC, allowing the venue to continue operating under its longstanding license while the applicant addresses zoning and food‑safety issues.

The action followed a public hearing in which planning staff explained that the site sits inside Lincoln’s three‑mile jurisdiction and that the Lincoln Municipal Code does not permit off‑premises sales there without a separate city special permit. George Wesselhoff of Planning and Development told commissioners the county’s zoning authority is limited in that area and that the applicant had not previously obtained the special permit the city requires.

Justin Daniel of the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department told the board the health department’s review showed Hidden Valley is operating a temporary bar in its event space and that full compliance with the Nebraska food code will require a permanent bar installation with permanent plumbing. Daniel said the venue provided an action plan and that the department is “willing to work with Hidden Valley and issue a variance” provided the public’s health is protected; he added the health department’s timeline for compliance is one year.

The applicant, identified as Brad Neumbauer, said Hidden Valley Golf Course has held the same type of liquor license for roughly 21 years and asked that the board allow that continuity under the new ownership, noting the business’s established role in the community. “We have had our current liquor license for the past . . . 21 years, and we are just asking that you extend that same license to the new owners,” the applicant said.

Commissioners discussed the distinction between liquor‑license authority and zoning: even if a liquor license authorizes off‑premises sales, the relevant special permit (a city zoning determination) can prohibit off‑premises sales under the Lincoln Municipal Code. Several commissioners said they would recommend continuance of the existing license while the applicant pursues any required city zoning steps.

A motion to recommend approval passed on a roll call vote with the board recording unanimous "yes" votes. Commissioners also noted that the planning department had to recommend denial in its formal zoning review because of the jurisdictional conflict, and that the applicant should follow up with the City of Lincoln to resolve the special‑permit requirement.

The board’s recommendation goes to the liquor commission and to city zoning officials as needed; commissioners advised the applicant to coordinate with both the health department and the city to secure any permits or construction necessary to meet state and local rules.