A light agenda was scheduled for the Aug. 3 regular meeting of the Colchester City Council. However, a crowd of more than 35 filled the council meeting room to hear the decision of the council on a special addition to the city alcohol ordinance Chapter 21.
During the time for public comments, before the council acted on agenda items, nine individuals spoke in favor of the approval of the ordinance revision so The Golf Garage, a new business in Colchester owned by Blake and Devyn Denney, catering to golf instruction and fitness, could apply for the appropriate liquor licenses.
After quickly approving several regular business issues, the counsel turned its attention to agenda item — 'First reading of Ordinance 2026-09 to repeal Chapter 21, Article 1 of the City Code and to re-enact it with amendments.' The addendum will be labeled 'Class S (specialty retainer license). This category was added to accommodate the requests from The Golf Garage for the authorized sale of containerized beer, wine, and hard liquor at their establishment as an ancillary to their golf instruction and simulator usage.
A number of stipulations were included in the classification, among them an annual fee of $2,000 with addition $500 for Sunday sales and $500 for sealed 'hard liquor' (with a three-drink limit); requirement to offer non-alcoholic beverages and snacks; no performers or entertainers or cover charges; and hours of operation.
Upon a motion from council member David Frost and a second by Donna Wetzel, the council voted, without discussion, to approve the repeal of Chapter 21, Article 1 of the City Code and re-enact it with amendments. Four council members voted 'yes' to approve the motion — Frost, Frances Welch, Catherine Louderman, and Wetzel. Two members voted no — Kim Limkeman and Martha Clark.
