HELENA- On Monday night Helena City Commissioners terminated a Right-of-Way agreement that allowed the Sapphire Lodge to operate an outdoor patio.
Revoking the agreement means the Sapphire Lodge will no longer have exclusive use of the space and open containers of alcohol will no longer be allowed in the patio area.
The George and Bobbie Clemow Family Trust had an agreement to use the space since November of 2015. The Trust leases the lower level of the property at 101 Last Chance Gulch to the Sapphire Lodge who used it as an outdoor space. The agreement allowed open containers of alcohol and required the right-of-way holder to maintain the area.
However, the city said it had received numerous complaints about the Sapphire’s use of the space. Those complaints ranged from litter and vomit to disorderly conduct and noise.
The city also says Sapphire patrons’ conduct resulted in a large volume of calls for law enforcement.
City leaders said the intended to terminate the agreement at a December meeting. As part of the original agreement, the city was required to give 60 days notice.
