Durango Hot Springs will now be able to serve alcohol.
La Plata County commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve a new “lodging and entertainment liquor license,” which allows the resort previously known as Trimble Hot Springs to serve alcohol.
Kurt Carter, one of the new co-owners of Durango Hot Springs, said a new concession stand will be built as part of recent renovations where beer, wine and pre-made canned liquor drinks will be served.
To prevent over-intoxication, Carter said customers will be allowed to purchase only two drinks at a time. And, staff members will be trained to look for signs of someone who is too intoxicated while soaking in the springs.
Carter told county commissioners that people sneaking in alcohol is a constant issue for the resort. He said that by allowing a liquor license, staff members will be able to better regulate consumption.
“Staff has always had to deal with looking for people who’ve consumed too much alcohol,” he said. “With this, we can be more stringent on what people can bring in and regulate what people consume.”
Carter said alcohol would stop being served about 9:15 p.m. before the resort closes at 10 p.m.
No one spoke during a public comment period.
According to county records, 116 nearby residents were asked whether they support the liquor license, which found 93 were in favor of the proposed license and 23 were opposed.
Commissioners Gwen Lachelt and Julie Westendorff voted to approve the license. Commissioner Clyde Church recused himself because his wife is chairwoman of the Falls Creek Homeowners Association, which was involved in the resort’s land-use process.
jromeo@durangoherald.com