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Ely council unanimously reinstates Club Rio business and liquor licenses after owners submit compliance plan
Summary
The Ely City Council voted unanimously May 14 to reinstate Club Rio’s business license and Class III liquor license after reviewing an owner-submitted corrective plan and receiving a recommendation from local law enforcement; the council required additional reporting and log-review conditions and set an Aug. 6 deadline for the revised plan.
The Ely City Council voted unanimously on May 14 to reinstate the business license for Club Rio, located at 735 Aultman Street, and to restore the licensee’s Class III liquor license after reviewing a corrective plan submitted by the bar’s owners and receiving law-enforcement input.
The council’s action followed a suspension adopted April 27 for alleged violations of Ely Municipal Code 3-1-12. At the May 14 meeting, Police Chief Scott Henriod told the council the owners’ plan “looks like they put a lot of thought into it,” and that the Sheriff’s Office (as referenced in the plan review) would work with the business on follow-up enforcement and inspections. Council members accepted additions requested by police and staff before signing off.
Under the council’s Resolution 2026-06, the business license was reinstated subject to specific conditions: a zero-tolerance staffing and bartender/server-card compliance policy; written coordination with law enforcement (including inspections and keeping police informed of large events); a requirement that Club Rio keep and make available violation logs and incident video to law enforcement; and email notice to the City Clerk when weekly staff meetings occur. The council required the owners to submit the plan with the required additions by close of business August 6, 2026, for a discussion-only update at the Aug. 13 council meeting.
Owner John Matyja described new security and camera upgrades and an ID-scanning system that he said can flag returning problem patrons. “The cameras are unbelievable,” Matyja said, explaining the ability to capture motion-detected clips and license-plate detail and to produce requested footage for the sheriff’s office.
Councilwoman Jerri Lynn Williams-Harper, who moved the reinstatement motion, said she was persuaded by the written plan and urged strict, repeated staff training: “If you will just do this with fidelity… remind people over and over, and not be afraid to say, if you can't follow our rules and you give us a bad name, you can't work here.” Police Chief Scott Henriod said the plan contained “really good factors … that I think will help prevent what took place,” but added that “they do have to follow it.”
Multiple public commenters urged reinstatement and described Club Rio as an important downtown venue. Local musician and organizer Bill Sanford told the council the business “has helped put music and entertainment in Ely” and that its reopening would aid downtown vitality.
The reinstatement motion, introduced by Councilwoman Williams-Harper and seconded by Councilwoman Melody Van Camp, passed unanimously. The council’s action reinstates the business license immediately but leaves enforcement and any future sanctions contingent on compliance and any subsequent incidents. The council recorded the action as Resolution 2026-06 and required the Aug. 6 submission and the Aug. 13 update hearing as part of the conditions.
