Nighttime economy advocacy group ONE Denver has been pushing to extend the closing time of Mile High City bars and clubs to 4:00 AM. But the extension is notably absent from a new licensing structure approved by the Denver City Council on Monday, August 3rd.
At the meeting, District 3 Councilwoman Jamie Torres said, “I think we are not quite there yet on data that demonstrates that things get safer with a later exit time,” according to Westword. But while she was instrumental in striking down the extended 4:00 AM closing time, she conceded that she was open to a pilot program to test it out in isolated parts of the city.
The proposed extension would not apply to alcohol sales. Bars and clubs would still be required to stop serving patrons at 2:00 AM. The intention was to give them more time to gradually leave venues at their own pace, reducing the likelihood of altercations, drunk driving, and other incidents that take place when they all leave at once.
For proponents of the extension, this already it seem like a baby step toward a much bigger goal. Steven Brackett of The Flobots, who serves as ONE Denver’s executive director, had previously pointed out, “In the first year, we’ll probably see only two or three places apply for it. The fact of the matter is, there’s not a lot of money to be made when you’re not selling liquor.”
He continued, “You’d have to do it at such a scale that ticket pricing and other stuff, like food and non-alcoholic drinks, are sufficient to bring in a profit. And that’s not going to be easy.”
In the meantime, the updated licensing structure has at least streamlined some of how Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses treats nightlife establishments. It does away with certain hearings and requirements while adding in new building safety restrictions.
Photo by Eric Tompkins
