Liquor establishments in Rock Springs will be allowed to sell alcohol two hours earlier beginning July 1, 2017.
The Rock Springs City Council voted to allow alcohol sales between the hours of 4 a.m. and 2 a.m. within city limits during their regularly scheduled meeting last Tuesday. Current state law allows for alcohol sales from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day, but changes to that law take effect July 1, 2017. Under the new law, the local governing bodies can set the hours of liquor sales within their jurisdiction.
The ordinance was approved by a 6-3 vote with Councilors Armstrong, Wendorf, Tate, Zotti, Halter, and Shalata in favor and Councilors Savage and Mosbey and Mayor Demshar voting no.
The ordinance originally considered by the council proposed to keep the operating times for liquor establishments as 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, the Council voted 6-3 to amend the start time to 4 a.m. after learning the Sweetwater County Commissioners approved the 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. time slot for liquor sales in the county earlier that day.
In addition, the Council voted to eliminate the need for a separate area for sale of alcoholic or malt beverages in establishments that operate primarily for sales intended for off-premise consumption. This change was approved 8-1 with Mayor Demshar representing the only no vote.
Green River’s ordinance continues to keep liquor sales between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m.
