Since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has suffered from low foot traffic and expenditure. So, Denver City decided to work on creating common consumption areas like many other cities in the country. These areas will allow people to enjoy alcoholic beverages in designated open spaces beyond the confines of bars and restaurants.
Highlights
- Applications for common consumption zones are being submitted to Denver officials.
- These restricted zones will allow people to drink in the open, but roaming with open drinks in non-consumption areas will be strictly prohibited.
- Two areas near the Mission Ballroom and along 16th Street are anticipated to become Denver’s first designated common consumption zones.
Denver’s Sip-and-Stroll Zones: Applications to Boost Restaurants
The concept of common consumption areas was legalized in Denver in 2019 to help bars and restaurants draw foot traffic and create a vibrant street culture. Soon after that, the pandemic hit the world, and implementation work to get these designated zones took a back seat.
Now, Denver may soon establish its first designated common consumption area. The North Wynkoop Promotional Association is a group that is pushing the plan forward and might soon submit applications. City leaders believe that these sip-and-stroll zones will help attract more people and increase expenditure.
The idea of carrying a drink from one establishment to another or just standing in the open air to sip and relax has been successful in other parts. Now, there is a high chance of the same results in Denver. The most anticipated names for these zones are near the Mission Ballroom in RiNo, and around Glenarm Place and the Denver Pavilions on 16th Street. The city already held a public hearing, and now these ideas and rules are under review and the feedback process.
Restrictions and Requirements for Common Consumption Areas
As per the Department of Excise and Licenses, in the common consumption areas, people can buy sealed or to-go drinks from collaborating businesses in that zone. Consumption can be done only within the designated zone. Carrying open containers of alcohol outside designated zones will remain prohibited.
Restaurants must partner with other businesses, and they also need to apply for certain permits. A valid liquor permit and safety plans are the keys to launching these common consumption areas. Operators must adhere to strict regulations to receive approval from the city.
The pilot program is set to expire in June 2026. As this will lead to a very short validity period of licenses, the Excise and Licenses Department is planning to discuss an extension with the Denver City Council.
