Tuesday, DECEMBER 9, 2025 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Rawlins city clerk will now handle 24‑hour catering permit applications, following the same procedure used by Carbon County officials.
As reported by Bigfoot99, the Rawlins City Council began reviewing an ordinance change in October that would let the city clerk approve or deny 24‑hour malt beverage and catering permits.
At the December 2nd meeting, a resolution was introduced to formally delegate that authority to the clerk.
City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave explained that state law gives municipalities control over liquor licenses. Attorney Maberry-Nave said under current regulations, all permit applications must come before the governing body.
Attorney Maberry-Nave said the resolution under consideration will allow the city clerk to handle all catering permit requests without the City Council needing to hear the matter.
The city attorney added that under the new regulations, applicants must submit their permits at least 72 hours before a scheduled event to give Clerk Lynn Shearer enough time to thoroughly review the application.
Councilman Steve Sanger originally proposed the idea. Speaking at the December 2nd meeting, Councilman Sanger said he was motivated by a 15‑year‑old ordinance that established the same process for the county.
At times, the governing body was required to hold special meetings just to hear a malt beverage or catering permit application. Councilman Sanger said the resolution will make the permitting process easier and faster by taking the responsibility off the council.
Vice Mayor Darril Garner asked what would happen if a liquor license holder received a catering permit but was unable to attend the event on short notice.
The city attorney said such an incident has happened before in Rawlins. Under such a circumstance, the attorney explained that state law gives the clerk authority to approve or deny a replacement without involving the governing body.
The resolution limits liquor license holders to twelve malt beverage and twenty-four catering permits in a single year. Additionally, all applications must be reviewed by the City Manager and Chief of Police to ensure the applicant is in compliance with city regulations.
The Rawlins City Council unanimously voted to delegate authority over 24‑hour malt beverage and catering permits to the city clerk’s office.
