Town Laments Over Sole License
A vote on the Town’s third and final bar and grill liquor license, which allows a restaurant to pour drinks at the bar instead of in a dispensing room, has been postponed until April 16 because Town Councilors Melissa Turley and Bob Lenz were absent.
Councilman Greg Miles and Mayor Mark Barron repeatedly expressed their dismay about Wyoming’s stringent liquor laws saying the system is archaic and they wish there were licenses for all candidates.
Receiving or not receiving the license will undoubtedly affect business plans for some of the candidates.
Jeff Dupont of the Cache Creek Group said plans for the Wildflower Grill and Lounge, a new restaurant and jazz spot to be located on Town Square, will likely not happen without the license.
Paul Wireman and Will Bradoff of Trio who are opening The Local Restaurant, in The Cadillac’s former location, said without the license they would face more financial risks and the longevity of the eatery would be uncertain. Other candidates include Bubba’s Barbeque, Snake River Brewing and Thai Me Up; owner Jeremy Tofte has made three other attempts to secure a retail or bar and grill license for the Thai eatery where sales have tripled Tofte said.
Wyoming determines the amount of bar and grill licenses for a town based on its population. Until the census registers more than 15,000 residents in Jackson, no new licenses will be granted.
