The Cortez City Council on Tuesday approved a new liquor license at the Hampton Inn of Cortez.
Janice Christiansen, general manager of hotel since 2014, said parent company Hilton has different standards for different hotel branches. She said those standards now dictate that Hampton Inn locations must sell beer and wine at the in-house treat shop.
Christiansen said the treat shop sells chips, ice cream and candy. The hotel has a storage area for beer and wine, but has never been used, she said. The hotel does not have a bar area, so guests will likely take the beer or wine up to their rooms.
She said the hotel often sends guests to the adjacent Destination Grill. Others cross the street to shop at West Slope Liquors.
“Most people are kind of looking for the ambiance and a place to sit and drink, which we are not going to have,” Christiansen said.
Police Chief Roy Lane stated at the meeting that the city surveyed nearby residents, and 45 individuals supported the license and none opposed it.
Before approval, City Council had one question for Christiansen.
“Will you have Coors Light?” Councilman Gary Noyes asked.
Christiansen said she doesn’t know.
