Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
PORTALES — In a matter of weeks, Eastern New Mexico University might no longer be a dry campus.
The university’s application for a governmental liquor license with on-premises consumption has been granted preliminary approval, according to a letter the state regulation and licensing department sent to the city of Portales last week.
The Portales City Council has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed issuance for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Memorial Building.
University officials have said there are no plans to serve alcohol at ENMU athletic events, but they do want to provide the opportunity for adult beverages at gatherings booked on campus such as weddings.
Within 30 days of the public hearing, the council is required to notify the state Alcohol and Gaming Division of its decision to approve or deny the issuance of the license. Should the council disapprove, it must give the division reasons for the denial within 30 days.
Should the council fail to make a decision on issuing the license within 30 days of the public hearing, the division director may issue the license.
During the ENMU Board of Regents’ Sept. 7 meeting, ENMU President Jeff Elwell was hoping to have a hearing in the late October timeframe. Board President Ed Tatum noted the university was not bound to city zoning regulations — ENMU is zoned as a residential area — and that the license couldn’t be denied on moral grounds.
