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Council clears municipal portion of liquor license for Kasa Esta Mexican Grill
Summary
Council approved the municipal portion of a new hotel/restaurant liquor license for Kasa Esta (applicant Sanchez); the applicant said the restaurant hopes to open in about two weeks but must await state approval and was encouraged to ensure TIP certification for management staff.
The Lamar City Council unanimously approved the municipal component of a new hotel/restaurant liquor license for Via Esta, doing business as Kasa Esta Mexican Grill.
Applicant Sanchez spoke briefly to the council, thanking members for reviewing the application and saying the restaurant hoped to open in roughly two weeks, subject to state licensing timelines. Council and staff reminded the applicant that municipal approval is only part of the process: "it'll go to the state now; we need to get the state's approval and then you'll be able to actually serve," a councilmember said during the hearing.
Resident Gayen Bernett spoke during public comment opposing expanded local alcohol availability and urged additional community protections, repeating concerns raised earlier during the beer-garden hearing. Council discussed TIP certification for employees as a recommended best practice (not a municipal requirement) to reduce underage sales and help staff recognize signs of over-serving; staff said online certification resources are available through the clerk's office.
With no unresolved staff objections and with the note that state approval remains the applicant's next step, the council voted to approve the municipal portion of the license application by unanimous vote. The council recorded no additional licensing conditions beyond standard municipal checklist items; the applicant was advised to secure state authority before beginning alcohol service.
