NOVEMBER 21, 2024|
Photo – Sign outside American Legion Post 54 – Courtesy American Legion Post 54 in Saratoga
Complaints from local and state authorities have prompted Saratoga officials not to immediately renew the liquor license for the town’s American Legion post.
Before the November 5th Saratoga town council meeting, the governing body held a public meeting for liquor license renewals. Following the public hearing, every establishment in the town received a license renewal, except for American Legion Post 54, located at 403 East Bridge Avenue.
Mayor Chuck Davis explained that the town has received numerous complaints about non-members drinking at the establishment. When asked for a list of members, Mayor Davis said the veteran’s organization failed to submit the document to the town.
The town council voted to postpone the American Legion’s liquor license renewal.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the governing body brought the matter up for further discussion. Corrine Miller was present to act as legal representation for American Legion Post 54.
Mayor Davis told Miller that the council did not vote to renew the American Legion’s liquor license because the veteran’s organization did not provide the information requested by the Saratoga Police Department.
Acting Saratoga Police Chief Lieutenant John Moore explained that following complaints from the state, he approached the American Legion to compare their entry logbook with the membership roster. However, Lieutenant Moore said he was not provided with a full list of members. Miller said the Legion is willing to supply the town with a list of members and their guests for verification.
Each member of American Legion Post 54 is permitted to invite 15 additional guests to the establishment. Legion members from different posts are also welcome to drink at the Saratoga location.
Mayor Davis assured Miller that the town did not initiate the investigation. The mayor said Lieutenant Moore and Chief Mike Morris were simply following up on a complaint from the Wyoming Liquor Division.
However, the town must be provided with the required information before it can renew the American Legion’s liquor license.
Miller asked about the specific complaints leveled against the veteran’s organization. Mayor Davis said the Wyoming Liquor Division has accused the American Legion post of allowing non-members to drink inside the establishment. Additionally, the mayor said the state received a complaint about a non-member winning a cash prize during an American Legion event.
Mayor Davis said the most serious accusation is related to non-members drinking at the American Legion post. The mayor assured Miller that the council does not want to take away the establishment’s liquor license. Mayor Davis said Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip informed him that if the American Legion provides Lieutenant Moore with a full list of members, the governing body will renew the license during its December 3rd meeting.
American Legion members present during Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting assured the governing body that the necessary documentation will be provided to the town as soon as possible.
