Lyons Den, news brief 12/23/20
The following two reports were posted by the Editor in the “NOTES FROM YOUR EDITOR”, this week and last week. The final decision as to whether the Den’s liquor and business license will be restored, suspended, or withdrawn will come in mid-February. // As journalists, we are reporting this according to the facts, and not quoting 100s of opinions voiced on Facebook, or other social media.
Confirmed by the Lyons Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen 12/26/20:
==the State liquor enforcement division suspended their liquor license until the hearing in February.
==The local liquor license was also suspended until that date.
==The county public health department filed an injunction or against the lions den for violations of the public health order including indoor dining, no face coverings, and not maintaining social distancing in their business.
==The town also revoked their business license on 12/7/20.
12/17/20 “NOTES FROM YOUR EDITOR” segment about LYONS DEN Restaurant & Taphouse:
This past weekend, the co-owner, Randall Yarbrough, tried to bring together a 1,000 person rally to support their freedom to fully open their restaurant. It got cancelled either Friday or Saturday. There was a small crowd Sunday mid-day, and the re-scheduled 5 p.m. rally did not happen.
Western Stars Gallery & Studio (art and gift shop), which is adjacent to the Den, suffered some loss of business, but locals made an effort to stop by and shop.
This past week’s postings on Facebook started to lean more heavily toward supporting those businesses that were following the COVID-19 guidelines, referring to nine restaurants and cafes that are open in downtown Lyons. The majority felt that Lyons Den was only open for two years, and had broken other Town regulations, and that their manner of business operations did not reflect the opinion of the majority of residents.
There will be a more detailed report next week, after the Town Board of Trustee rules on whether to remove its business license. (note, the Town did not make a decision)
12/24/20 “NOTES FROM YOUR EDITOR” segment about LYONS DEN Restaurant & Taphouse:
Both the regular Board of Trustee meeting, and the Executive Meeting did not result in a conclusion as to whether the Lyons Den will permanently lose its liquor or business license. The Board stated that it would await the results of the study being done by the Department of Revenue investigating on behalf of the State of Colorado.
The town council will hold another liquor license hearing on February 16 after Lyons Den owner Randall Yarbrough agreed to continue the license suspension until then.
Mayor Nick Angelo declined to make a statement about the executive session. However, he was able to offer this comment, “The one thing I can say is I was outvoted 1-6 on two issues. I don’t compromise on the public health and safety.”
Another Front Range news publication reported that town trustee Wendy Miller texted multiple expletive-laced complaints to the owner of the Lyons Den last week, stating her dislike and fear of the protest, since she lives across the street from their building. She stated that she would protect her property with a gun. She said clearly that she was texting as a resident and not as a public official. The matter was brought to the attention of the Town Administrator and Mayor, and they said it would be brought up with the Ethics Committee.
There will be a more detailed report in February, when we get statements from the Town Board of Trustees on their ruling.
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For a prior article from two weeks ago, go to LYONS DEN. At that time, there seemed to be a 50/50 split in support or condemnation of the Lyons Den’s actions.