Hearing officer approves Mercadito La Mexicana's off-premises fermented-malt beverage and wine license

Hearing Officer Jill Cenamo approved a new off-premises fermented‑malt beverage and wine liquor license for Mercadito La Mexicana (2851 North Avenue, Suite 6) at the April 15 meeting of the Grand Junction Liquor Licensing Authority.

Owner Maria O. Fonseca appeared with translator Estrella Ruiz; an applicant-conducted needs-and-desires survey was read into the record by Deputy City Clerk Misty Williams and a consultant, Brian Turner, was available to discuss the survey methodology. The City Clerk's memo attached to the record summarized the survey boundaries (North Avenue to the north, Gunnison Avenue to the south, Harris Road to the east and Willow Road to the west) and reported business responses of 11 in favor and 0 opposed, residential responses of 41 in favor and 5 opposed, and one disqualified signature. No counter petitions or remonstrances were filed.

Hearing Officer Cenamo stated she found the needs of the neighborhood were not being met and found no legal reason to deny the license application; the application was approved and the City Clerk's Office will prepare a resolution of findings for signature. The record notes the City Clerk's Office requested local criminal-history reports and comments from Mesa County Public Health, the Grand Junction Fire Department and the City of Grand Junction Sales Tax Department as part of its routine review process.