A new bar in Scottsbluff may not be able to open its doors after receiving negative recommendations for a liquor license from both the Scottsbluff City Council and City of Scottsbluff Liquor License Holders Investigatory Board.
Wild Horse Saloon Owner Anne DeMaranville and Bar Manager Chad Leeling have been remodeling the old Valley Bowl location on 17th Avenue since this spring.
During the City’s most recent Liquor License Holders Investigatory Board meeting, DeMaranville said she has no experience in the industry, and would be relying on Leeling’s years of experience. Board Chair Russ Knight informed her that all the remaining alcohol from Leeling’s previous business, Brother’s 27th Street Wings, is not transferable to the Wild Horse and inquired how she was going to be able to purchase alcohol for the Wild Horse Saloon.
Scottsbluff City Manager Kevin Spencer said that a number of issues would need to be fixed before the business could obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, including having working fire alarm and suppression systems, building permits for the remodel, and ensuring all exits in the building are up to code.
On Monday, the Scottsbluff City Council continued discussion on the matter.
Spencer also asked Leeling about unpaid bills that are showing up on his background report, including more than $65,000 to the owner of the building he leased on East Overland when he operated Shots Bar and Grill and failure to pay Scottsbluff Police for security provided at events he helped promote. Leeling replied that COVID had a lot to do about the situation and is trying to make it right.
Lanette Richards with Monument Prevention Coalition says she has concerns about Chad’s involvement with the business and liquor license applications. She cited a Facebook post of his that lists him- not DeMaranville- as the founder and CEO of Wild Horse Saloon. During Monday’s Council meeting she also submitted a petition with dozens of Scottsbluff resident’s signatures who oppose this liquor license.
Ultimately, they unanimously voted to give a negative recommendation for a liquor license that will be forwarded on to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.
The Nebraska Liquor Control Commissions is scheduled to next convene on Tuesday, October 3.
