Liquor Commission Meeting Summary - January 8, 2026

The Liquor Commission convened on January 8, 2026, welcomed two new commissioners, and conducted routine business including the approval of meeting minutes and 2026 dates. The agenda featured a recommendation to City Council regarding a license amendment for Barrel and Heritage to add tequila tastings and a request by Taste Buds Kitchen to increase the Class M license cap by one, which was tabled pending verification of proximity to a future daycare. The meeting concluded with the 2025 Annual Report, DUI and tobacco enforcement statistics, a discussion on updating the violation penalty matrix, and a general concept update.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed; Douglas made the motion to approve, and McGurry seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.
• 2026 Meeting Dates: The commission approved the official dates for the 2026 Liquor Commission meetings. Douglas made the motion to approve, and McGurry seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Beckman (Manager, Barrel and Heritage): Presented a rebranding from Taste in the Vine to Barrel and Heritage to better reflect the addition of bourbon and canned beer. He expressed a need to add tequila tastings to the license to maintain customer interest and pivot from declining wine sales, stating the business plans to offer "small batch" or harder-to-find specialty tequilas from Mexico (not big brands or private label) alongside mezcal. He emphasized that tastings will be conducted similarly to their bourbon program (3 ounces total) and that the program is intended to be complementary to wine and beer offerings.
• Jackie Burton (Owner, Taste Buds Kitchen): Presented a request to increase the Cap on Class M recreation licenses by one for a new location at 620 North River Road. She described the business as a culinary entertainment venue (cooking classes, private events) similar to "Pinot's Palette" where alcohol is an optional supplement to food, not the focus. She expressed full support for responsible alcohol service, including ID verification and adherence to city and state guidelines, stating that without the ability to serve beer and wine, the business would face a competitive disadvantage. She clarified that alcohol is sold as a separate line item (not included in package deals) and service is restricted to adult-focused events and private functions.

Discussion Items

• License Amendment for Barrel and Heritage: Commissioners discussed the proposal to amend the liquor code to allow tequila tastings. The commission determined that while they could recommend the change, the authority to amend the text lies with the City Council. Douglas expressed full support for the rebranding and new signage. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the petition to the City Council.
• Class M License Cap Increase (Taste Buds Kitchen): The commission deliberated Jackie Burton's request. Douglas raised a critical concern regarding the location's proximity to a new daycare being built directly across the parking lot. The commission noted that if the daycare is within 100 feet of the proposed location, an exception is required under the liquor code, which mandates notification to daycare operators. Commissioner Cherico questioned if the current enforcement matrix for tobacco violations is sufficient to deter repeat offenders, observing an upward trend in violations. The commission voted unanimously to direct staff to research violation matrices in other communities to determine if a code overhaul is necessary to address repeat offenses.
• Tobacco Enforcement Statistics: Detective Crichton reported two violations in the first round of FY26 compliance checks, including one repeat offender. Commissioner Cherico noted that the current penalty matrix may have become a "cost of doing business" for some, prompting the motion to benchmark against other communities.
• Liquor Concept Update: Staff provided updates on new concepts, noting that E9 Club (indoor golf) would acquire an existing Class M license, while other restaurants remained in early stages.

Key Outcomes

• Barrel and Heritage Recommendation: The commission voted unanimously to recommend the text amendment for tequila tastings to the City Council for a vote at the next meeting. (Douglas: Aye, De Joya: Aye, Gunser: Aye, McGurry: Aye, Chericho: Aye).
• Taste Buds Kitchen Tabled: The request to increase the Class M license cap was tabled. Staff will verify the distance between the proposed location and the new daycare. If the distance is within 100 feet, an exception process will be initiated; otherwise, the item will return to the liquor commission agenda. Operating hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., event-based) and the restriction to beer and wine only were placed on the record.
• Annual Report Received: The 2025 Liquor Commission Annual Report was received and adopted by unanimous vote. (Douglas: Aye, De Joya: Aye, Gunser: Aye, McGurry: Aye, Chericho: Aye).
• Violation Matrix Review: The commission voted unanimously to direct staff to research violation matrices from benchmark communities to address the increase in repeat tobacco and alcohol violations. (Douglas: Aye, De Joya: Aye, Gunser: Aye, McGurry: Aye, Chericho: Aye).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the reports and motions.