by Melissa Ray
LA VETA — On Tuesday, March 20, the La Veta Town Board conducted a public hearing on a request for a Beer and Wine Liquor license before its regular meeting.
Emile Dubia owner of Free The Monkey, LLC, soon to be doing business as La Veta Mercantile, submitted her application and all documentation required by the state to town clerk Laurie Erwin in mid March. Dubia also submitted a petition with 47 signatures, all collected by her personally, in favor of her obtaining a liquor license. Two of the signatures were found not to be valid.
The town currently has two restaurant licenses, two beer and wine licenses, and one liquor store license.
When questioned about the type of business La Veta Mercantile will be, Dubia said she believed it would be a gathering place for the community to have a glass of wine and hear some music. La Veta Mercantile (previously known as Francisco Crossing), is located at 300 S. Main Street in La Veta, and will be open 7 days a week.
Marshal Harold Wilburn reported there was nothing in Dubia’s background check to prevent her from obtaining a liquor license. Erwin reported the town received no comments from the community either pro or con on the application. A local woman stated she believed Emile Dubia would be an asset to the community because she had heard a lot good about previous businesses run by Dubia in Salida. Dubia owns three consignment stores in Salida with 6,000 consignors.
Dubia described her business as having a retail space with items the community will enjoy along with beverages for sale at the bar such as coffee, beer, wine, and soda. The mercantile will also have a gallery with fine jewelry and a listening room in the back. Musicians will be brought in, but not full bands, with afternoon shows and performances from 7 – 9 pm.
She said heat and air conditioning are currently being installed in the business. Erwin explained the town cannot give Dubia her license until her health inspection is posted. Dubia will contact the health inspector to have her inspection scheduled.
The first item of new business when the board’s regular meeting began was to approve a liquor license for La Veta Mercantile. Dubia will now have to wait for state approval.
La Veta Farmers’ Market was unanimously approved to operate on Thursdays between the hours of 2:15 (set up) and 6:30 pm from May 17, to October 18. The market will operate on the north and south sides of the sidewalk in front of the library.
A special events liquor permit was approved for Spanish Peaks Celtic Festival to be held at La Veta Mercantile on April 22, from 12-6 pm with a concert scheduled from 2 to 5 pm. The special event permit application was submitted by Jonathon James, festival administrator, and was requested due to the probability the state will not have approved the businesses liquor license for La Veta Mercantile by April 22.
It was unanimously voted to move the April 3, meeting to April 4 at 7 pm due to a conflict with elections. The town’s election officer, Laurie Erwin, appointed Eleanor Foley, Sue Pezze, Cecilia Manning, and Mary Jean Fowler as election judges. Judges will be paid $100 and, pursuant to state statute, the appointed supply judge will be paid an additional $5. The board voted to pay for the judges’ lunch and dinner.
The board also voted to authorize their attorney to enter into a stipulated agreement on water case #16CW3022 on behalf of the Town of La Veta.
