PRESCOTT - A public hearing on liquor license and fermented malt beverage license applications for the July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 licensing period was held during the Prescott City Council's regular meeting on June 22.

During the public comment portion of the hearing, Jan Anderson of Leo's Landing addressed the council regarding the business's liquor license application and an ongoing court case involving the property.

“The reason for my visit today is because Leo’s Landing is in a court decision by the judge as you’re all aware of and our license is due for the liquor license,” Anderson said. “We’ve had a liquor permit since 1986. We have never done anything wrong to not get a license and unfortunately this year, someone made a decision not to even contact us or mail it to Leo’s Landing to even inform us of the liquor license information until I thought about it today.”

Anderson expressed frustration over the situation and the lack of communication from the city regarding the license renewal process.

“You know, you are a dirty city. You didn’t even contact us after all these years in business and everything we’re going through and all the money we’re spending and I’m sure you guys are spending even more or less or about the same that the city residents need to know about these expenses,” Anderson said.

She told the council that Leo's Landing submitted its paperwork because the business hopes to avoid delays if the court case is resolved in its favor.

“So I came today and filled out my paperwork because I think you should be proactive in case you lose so we don’t have to be delayed in opening up,” Anderson said. “We’re losing thousands and thousands of dollars a day being closed and nobody gives a [expletive].”

Mayor Michael Gerke asked City Administrator Matt Wolf if he wished to respond.

“Right now, it’s in a court case so there’s not much comment we can make,” Wolf said.

He also cited a city ordinance related to liquor license applications, stating, “356-7 right to premises, no applicant will be considered unless he or she has the right of possession to the premises described in the application for the license peered by lease or deed.”

Anderson questioned whether the city should have informed Leo's Landing of the licensing requirements.

“But don’t you think it would have been proper and nice to inform people of this?” she asked.

Wolf responded, “Leo’s Landing should be well aware of the situation we have been going on for the last 3+ years.”

The discussion also touched on rumors regarding when a court decision might be issued. Anderson said her son had been told that the mayor had indicated a decision would not be made until September.

“I don’t think anybody knows when a decision will be made,” Wolf answered. “So that could be a possibility.”

Gerke denied making such a statement.

“I never mentioned anything about September or any other date,” Gerke stated. “I said, it could be a long time so maybe they speculated when they said that.”

Before concluding her remarks, Anderson encouraged people to avoid spreading rumors.

“I just think that everybody needs to remember to keep things not gossiping about it,” she said.

Gerke replied, “Well, you should be talking to the person that you heard about September about not gossiping that.”

Following the public hearing, the council approved the annual liquor license applications. One exception was the application for Muddy Waters Bar and Grill, which was denied at this time due to unpaid 2025 property taxes. City officials indicated the business will be issued a liquor license once those taxes are paid and all conditions have been met.