If a recent proposal sees the light of day, Denver could be one step closer to the lax public drinking laws of cities like Las Vegas or New Orleans. In the event that it goes through, though, the outdoor plaza adjacent to Mission Ballroom will have to do for the foreseeable future.
That’s because Westfield Company — who owns the popular RiNo venue as well as the building housing its neighboring bars, Left Hand Brewery and Chubby Unicorn Cantina — has applied to turn the area into an entertainment district with a common consumption license. This means that people who by alcoholic beverages at the two bars could openly drink them in the outdoor space in between connecting all three establishments.
The proposal is the first of its kind that aims to take advantage of a pilot program introduced by the City of Denver in 2021 in hopes of creating similar drinking zones throughout the city. Westfield’s application is reportedly the first one submitted as the program nears the end of its five-year window.
While Mission Ballroom’s outdoor plaza area is included in the proposed area, its liquor license will not permit its patrons to take beverages purchased inside the venue outside. But those who buy them from the two neighboring bars can stand in line with them, said Westfield Company Special Projects Manager Ally Fredeen.
“It will allow each liquor license establishment to have their patrons take drinks out onto the shared plaza and hang out, whether it be before a concert, after a concert or no concert,” said Freeden. She added that it will include Peach Crease Club, a cocktail lounge looking to open later in the year.
Westfield’s application is still pending approval by the Denver City Council. Spokesperson Eric Escudero said that “this could be the first action that could lead to a snowball effect of more applications for common consumption coming in the future.”
