In many ways, Redstone is the last frontier of regulation, full of colorful personalities, differing opinions and little governmental oversight. Falling under Unincorporated Pitkin County, our sheriff is based in Aspen, over an hour away, the fire department is located in Carbondale and the closest thing we have to a town government is our chamber of commerce, the Redstone Community Association (RCA).
Reminiscent of the Old West with its general store, historic architecture and traditional values, Redstone inspires nostalgia for a bygone era. Due to its diminutive population, change often kicks up dust storms across the community as many aspire to retain the remoteness from modern society. Residents fiercely protect their community, reining in the advance of cell towers, short-term rentals and bike paths. Ironically, this safeguarding has established a patchwork of long-standing grudges and resentments, undermining the embodiment of our tight-knit community.
Last July, a new proprietor came to town, proffering wine, sommelier advice and sporting a big city background. Justin Abad is an active member of the RCA and has ingratiated himself with many in our community. His wine shop, Boulevard Barrel, is refined yet accessible, nestled in the heart of Redstone’s commercial district across from Propaganda Pie. Like in the days of old, Abad lives behind his shop with his 4-year-old daughter. The shop’s courtyard is quintessential Redstone, offering a cozy community gathering place where neighbors and tourists can converse on summer days while sipping wine.
Abad described his vision of the Boulevard Barrel as “based on the kind of old-school wine shops and salumieri of Italy from the time I spent studying abroad.” He said he offers “a well curated, value-driven, off the beaten path selection of wines,” adding, ”I am trying to introduce people to makers, importers and distributors that are a little bit smaller, that I think provide the same value.” Abad wants to introduce a food component as well, with prepared foods and sandwiches, soups, salads and take-home meals at the Boulevard Barrel.
Abad recently applied for a Change in Class of License from a Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine License to a Beer and Wine Liquor License and a Takeout and Delivery Permit. The new license extends to the courtyard and allows the Boulevard Barrel to offer wine tastings and food. However, one of his direct residential neighbors has questioned the current license’s standing. They assert the Boulevard Barrel is running an illegal bar in the courtyard with unlicensed public drinking. Now, the Boulevard Barrel is mired in the red tape of Pitkin County regulations.
The RCA has recused itself from being embroiled in this matter with its president, Josh Wamboldt, stating, “We try to support new businesses and existing businesses.” He said, “Our community comes first over anything else, so we have to look at our community impact over business impact.”
Abad said of the licensing process, “the messaging has been inconsistent at best, and I believe that what standards are being applied, statutorily enforced, etc., seem to be pretty inconsistent throughout the community.”
While investigating Abad’s current license, I also found the licensing process convoluted and vague. I blew around departments like a tumbleweed, from the Pitkin County attorney, to clerk, to zoning enforcement, Open Space & Trails and the Colorado Department of Revenue, liquor enforcement division. The only definitive conclusion I reached was that Abad must reinstate the two commercial parking places, currently serving as courtyard seating.
Officer Jerry Tevault of the state Department of Revenue’s liquor enforcement division was called to investigate the Boulevard Barrel last December. He reported, “Pitkin County Sheriff’s Deputy David Silverstein called me regarding open containers and public drinking in the unincorporated area of Redstone. Deputy Silverstein stated they don’t have anything prohibiting opening containers or public drinking unless it was part of a driving under the influence investigation. He said he doesn’t know of any local ordinances prohibiting people from wandering down the street of Redstone with alcohol.” Tevault ultimately concluded the Boulevard Barrel was not violating its license and stated, ”…as to the best of our understanding, there are no ordinances permitting public consumption in the community. If additional information comes to light, a new investigation will be opened but, at this time, this case is closed as unfounded.”
With a population of 92, Redstone may be a one horse town, but it mirrors national strife, often facing even division on issues. Residents frequently face off against each other as if it is high noon in the Wild West, forgoing communication, empathy and compromise. This is evident in the public comment portion of the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners meeting regarding Abad’s new license request that took place on March 12. Maybe our community needs to have some heartfelt conversations that take place over a glass of wine.
For The Boulevard Barrel licensing developments and to view public comments visit: www.bit.ly/PitCoMarch12