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Commissioners approve Rush Cafe hotel–restaurant liquor license despite split neighborhood survey
Summary
After a formal hearing, the board approved a hotel and restaurant liquor license for Rush Cafe at 39810 Highway 94, citing absence of comparable outlets in the one‑mile neighborhood and favorable responses from vacant‑land owners and in‑store patrons despite several nearby residents voicing safety concerns.
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on March 3 to grant a hotel and restaurant liquor license to Salsa LLC doing business as Rush Cafe at 39810 Highway 94 in Commissioner District 2.
During a sworn hearing, applicant Blanca Raa and counsel Vince Lindon presented evidence that a prior liquor license historically existed at the location and that in‑store patron petitions indicated local demand. Liquor Licensing Professionals (Eva Garrettson) conducted a county‑defined neighborhood survey. Of the 23 residential units inside the one‑mile boundary, 17 residents qualified to sign: two residents supported the application, five opposed it and 10 could not be reached; seven vacant‑land owners returned favorably. Liquor Pros also submitted approximately 66 in‑store patron signatures in support.
Several nearby residents cited traffic and safety concerns, including a pastor and residents living immediately behind the cafe; one resident said a prior vehicle rollover had raised safety worries. Applicant representatives and county counsel characterized those concerns as speculative and emphasized there is no comparable on‑premise liquor outlet within the defined neighborhood (the nearest similar outlet is more than 16 miles away). The sheriff’s office reported no disqualifying criminal history related to the applicant.
Commissioners deliberated that county policy allows weight to be given to the absence of comparable licenses and to onsite patron support and vacant‑land returns. The chair opened a motion for approval; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all five commissioners voting to approve the license.
Why it matters: The decision allows Rush Cafe to serve beer and wine in conjunction with food, changing the mix of services available in a sparsely populated area where alternative licensed outlets are distant. Commissioners balanced resident safety concerns against the lack of nearby comparable businesses and petition results.
What’s next: The applicant must comply with state licensing steps and follow responsible‑service training; Liquor Pros offered training and compliance support for staff.
