Lander council approves liquor license for Ella's Mediterranean Cuisine amid public safety pushback

The Lander City Council voted to approve a new restaurant liquor license for Di Damela LLC, doing business as Ella's Mediterranean Cuisine, for a proposed location at 175 North 4th Street.

Rochelle read the city's timeline for the application and state review, noting the application was filed in late May and the state confirmed all required materials in late June. After the city opened the required public hearing, resident Charles Wilwin urged the council to deny any more liquor licenses, saying the town already "has enough liquor" and warning of a lasting, negative "legacy of alcohol" for children and families. "So tonight, if you vote in favor of yet another needless liquor license, it is simply because that is what you want to do," Wilwin told the council.

Wilwin also asked the council to refer a proposed ordinance to staff that would require preset breath-alcohol testing devices as an exit safety measure at festivals and tasting events, with attendees who exceed a preset threshold offered alternative transportation such as sober rides or taxis.

Council members discussed the application and moved to approve the license after the hearing. No amendments to the license were adopted during the vote.

Why it matters: Council approval expands the number of restaurant liquor licenses in the community and drew public-comment calls for stronger event safety measures. One resident asked the council to consider a city ordinance to require exit breath-testing and coordinated safety plans for festivals — a policy change that would require legal review and staff work to implement.

The council did not schedule a referral or next step for Wilwin's proposed ordinance during the meeting; staff and legal review were suggested during public comment. The license for Ella's Mediterranean Cuisine was approved and the council moved on to other agenda items.