Staff Report

The Washoe County Planning Commission unanimously denied The Wolf Den’s request to amend its special use permit to allow the business to sell any type of alcohol on Wednesday, March 4. The decision prevents the establishment from selling hard alcohol and took immediate effect.

The sports bar and grill is known for its cheap drink specials such as Thirsty Thursdays. Many university officials attended the meeting and testified in opposition to the bar’s request. Because The Wolf Den is located less than a mile away from the University of Nevada, Reno’s Living Learning Community, UNR officials fears students would be endangered should commissioners grant the business’ request to serve a larger variety of alcohol,

The Wolf Den representative Mike Railey said to the commissioners that it is easy to blame a bar for underage drinkers. He argued that the minors should also be held accountable for their actions.

On its Facebook page, The Wolf Den clarified to its customers that it will continue to serve beer and wine. The business also replied to a commenter that it would still serve shots, though it is unclear how that adheres to the commission’s decision.

“We still have our liquor license,” The Wolf Den posted. “We will retain legal counsel immediately, and will file an appeal to be heard by the Reno City Council. We will need and appreciate your support.”

The news desk can be reached at rhernandez@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @rociohdz19.