City of Golden Local Licensing Authority Meeting – August 13, 2026

The City of Golden Local Licensing Authority met on August 13, 2026, at 2:32 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to consider two hearings: a change of controlling beneficial owner application for a cannabis dispensary and a liquor license renewal. The meeting also included approval of previous meeting minutes and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 16, 2026): The minutes were approved without discussion.

Discussion Items

• Hearing – Change of Controlling Beneficial Owner – Nebrina Golden LLC d/b/a Social Cannabis Dispensary (17120 West Colfax Avenue):

  • The applicant sought to add four new controlling beneficial owners: Josh Riggs (already approved), Cher Judah, Sam Afori, Nader Wahdan, and Dan Morgan, through entities JRGBD LLC, C2Sell Consulting, and United Brothers LLC.
  • The hearing officer expressed confusion over the submitted ownership charts, noting they did not clearly show all passive beneficial owners (including Society Organics LLC at 9%) and the percentages did not appear to add up to 100%.
  • The city attorney (Lucas Markley) raised concerns about Dan Morgan’s criminal history, including a 2012 DWAI, a 2024 leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident charge, and a 2023 speeding incident. Mr. Morgan testified that he completed probation early, attended Track D classes, and a MADD panel. The hearing officer stated she was not inclined to approve Mr. Morgan due to the recency and pattern of substance-related incidents.
  • The hearing officer proposed continuing the hearing to allow the applicant to either restructure (remove Mr. Morgan) or provide additional evidence of rehabilitation. The city did not object. The applicant’s counsel (Gene Ganell) requested clarification on the specific grounds for denial, and Mr. Morgan offered to submit character references and evidence of volunteer work.
  • Outcome: The hearing was continued to September 15, 2026, at 2:30 PM, with the option for virtual participation. The applicant was asked to provide a corrected organizational chart showing all owners and either restructure or submit additional evidence regarding Mr. Morgan’s fitness.

• Hearing – Renewal Application – AU Liquors LLC d/b/a Golden Liquor (601 13th Street):

  • Licensee Justin I. appeared. The renewal was scheduled due to a state stipulation for serving an underage person (an 18-year-old) and because the renewal application incorrectly answered “no” to a question about violations.
  • Mr. I. explained the violation was by a part-time employee who did not check an ID; the employee has since completed TIPS training. Mr. I. acknowledged the application error as an oversight and stated he had scheduled responsible vendor training for himself and a new employee for August 17, 2026.
  • The city attorney noted that the incident could also result in local penalties and recommended stronger training policies. The hearing officer stressed the importance of training all employees before they serve and suggested both TIPS and responsible vendor training.
  • Outcome: The renewal was approved. The hearing officer strongly recommended that the licensee implement pre-service training for all employees and correct the application to reflect the violation. No formal conditions were attached, but a warning was given that future violations could lead to suspension, revocation, or non-renewal.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes: Approved.
• Nebrina Golden LLC Change of Ownership: Hearing continued to September 15, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Applicant must provide a clear ownership chart and either remove Dan Morgan or submit additional evidence of rehabilitation. The city did not oppose the continuance.
• Golden Liquor Renewal: Approved. The licensee was urged to fix the application error and implement mandatory pre-service alcohol training for all employees.