March 25, 2022 |
In Saratoga, the regulars at the Rustic Bar apparently enjoy their own company so much they they’re breaking the law to keep the party private.
Patrons are locking the front door and refusing access to others, including the local police. Locking a bar during business hours is an infraction of state law that could cost the establishment its liquor license if the practice continues.
Saratoga Police have been locked out of the bar three times already, according to Chief Kenneth Lehr.
Pictured above: File photo of the Rustic Bar in Saratoga.
Title 12 of Wyoming Statutes states a business where alcoholic beverages are sold can be inspected any time during business hours. Like all other municipalities in Wyoming, the Town of Saratoga is the licensing agent.
The issue with the Rustic locking its doors during business hours came up late last year when its liquor license was up for renewal. The chief told council that the latest incident happened on March 12th.
Lehr said either bartenders or patrons are keeping people out of the bar with a sliding dead bolt, not a key lock. The chief added that he’s talked with the owner of the bar about the issue. Lehr added that he didn’t think anything illegal was happening in the bar. The patrons just wanted to party as though the public drinking house was a private club.
Lehr said the locked door poses a fire and safety hazard to patrons. Council instructed the chief to deliver a warning to bar owner, Eric Nelson, that the next incident would result in a public hearing where either a fine or licenses suspension would be considered.
