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Sterling City Council Approves Extended Hours for Liquor Licenses

UPDATE: The Sterling City Council has just approved a new ordinance allowing liquor-license holders to extend their operating hours, a decision made during the council meeting on October 6, 2023. This move enables local businesses to stay open until 3 a.m. for special events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The unanimous decision marks a significant shift in local nightlife, allowing establishments to cater to late-night crowds. Under the new ordinance, businesses can apply for an extended-hours permit for a fee of $100, but are capped at one permit per month and a maximum of four permits per year. Last call will be set for 2 a.m., with all patrons required to vacate by 3 a.m. and staff out by 4 a.m.
This change comes amid calls from business owners like Ryan and Ashley Nares, who operate The Mercantile and The Alchemy Ballroom in Sterling. They have already expressed plans to utilize the new permit for upcoming events, including the highly anticipated Mercantile Monster Masquerade on October 25.
Concerns were raised during the council meeting about potential strains on local law enforcement, especially if multiple venues sought permits simultaneously. Newly appointed Sterling Police Chief Pat Bartel voiced apprehensions, highlighting the risks of increased alcohol consumption leading to disorderly conduct. “Our fear was that people would drink heavily and rush to get that last hour,” Bartel stated.
In defense of their request, the Nareses emphasized their commitment to safety, noting they employ extensive security measures at their events. “We always have at least two security guards on the floor and one at each door,” Ashley Nares remarked, assuring the council that they have never experienced issues with unruly crowds. They also plan to implement a ticketing system, increasing prices after midnight to discourage disruptive patrons.
City Attorney Tim Zollinger cautioned the council to consider the implications of the new permit across all liquor-license holders. “You’re setting a standard that may not be met by every business,” he warned. However, the Nareses countered that the ordinance was not merely about serving drinks longer, but about enhancing the nightlife experience in Sterling, which has been attracting visitors from outside the area.
The council members debated the logistics of last call and occupancy extensions. Alderman Josh Johnson and Joe Strabala-Bright supported the idea of allowing patrons more time to “sober up” and consume food after drinking. “Quite frankly, I love the idea of giving people 45 minutes to sober up,” Strabala-Bright said. Johnson added, “Food does wonders to drunkenness.”
Ultimately, the council agreed on a compromise: last call will be at 2 a.m., allowing patrons to enjoy an extended hour of occupancy until 3 a.m.. The council also discussed testing the permit on a trial basis, with options for amendments based on its success.
This new ordinance is a significant step for Sterling’s nightlife, creating excitement among local business owners and residents alike. With the upcoming Halloween event expected to draw over 800 attendees, the Nareses are optimistic about the potential for further economic growth and community engagement.
As the city embraces these extended hours, residents can look forward to a more vibrant nightlife scene, making Sterling a destination for late-night entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates as local businesses prepare to take advantage of this newly approved ordinance.
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