Greeley liquor authority approves three transfers and Emporium tavern license; several show-cause cases continued to June 5

The Greeley City Liquor Licensing Authority on May 8 approved three liquor-license transactions and set a series of contested matters over to June 5.

Judge Gonzales approved the transfer of a license to Los Telfuez Corp., doing business as Tres Amigos Family Mexican Restaurants, after counsel proffered evidence that applicant Ambrosio Gonzalez operates two Wyoming restaurants with no liquor violations and that the inventory sale had been paid by check; the city withdrew its objection after receiving proof of deposit. “I will approve the transfer of the license,” Judge Gonzales said and directed the clerk’s office to send the approval to the state; the judge also authorized a temporary license extension if the state delay prevented coverage for a busy rodeo weekend.

The authority also approved the transfer of a license to 3 Bros Investment LLC, doing business as Booze Brothers Liquor, finding Devon Basnet of good moral character and that the required ID and TIPs-training policies were in place. Counsel said employees who handle alcohol will be TIPs trained and that the applicant maintains a 10-year lease for the retail location.

Separately, the body approved a new tavern license for Emporium Greeley LLC, which proposes Emporium Sports Bar at 2700 W. 10th St. The clerk’s report noted outstanding building and remodel permits and a police memo under review, but the city told the authority it did not object to issuance provided all building inspections and the business license are completed before opening. Judge Gonzales cited the clerk’s findings that the needs-and-desires petition showed 73 signatures (after the clerk removed deficient entries) and found the applicants of good moral character. The judge approved issuance conditioned on completion of the remodel, inspections and business license process.

Multiple contested renewal and show-cause matters were continued to June 5 at 1:00 p.m. to allow negotiations, stipulations or evidentiary preparation. Those continued matters include Old Chicago Taproom No. 10 (where Jennifer Carlin, vice president of operations for Old Chicago, agreed to serve as the company’s contact for settlement talks), Pura Vida Bar, Dog House Pub & Grub, Dugout Bar & Grill (owner John Holdren), and a renewal/status matter for Greeley Liquor Warehouse. City enforcement counsel (Spracklin) characterized several of the pending violations as technical, saying they “could be mitigated by filing the proper paperwork” and that a final continuance would allow productive negotiation.

Not all items required contested hearings. Rancho El Corazon’s owner, Crystal Carrasco, provided proof of a previously missing sales-tax return and the city verified the account as satisfied; the authority approved the renewal administratively. McRae LLC (Hillcrest Liquor) also resolved outstanding corporate-structure filings with paperwork filed the morning of the hearing, and the one-year stipulation for Jassy Liquors (Jassy Discount) was found in full compliance and the remaining suspended time was released.

At the end of the session the authority approved the April 10 minutes and asked staff to consider tightening question 7 on the renewal application so it more clearly captures stipulations or revocation-related conditions, which members said would reduce follow-up memos.

The authority set the next hearing for June 5 at 1:00 p.m. and adjourned.