Greenspoon Marder Hospitality, Alcohol & Leisure Blog: New Drinking Ordinance in Denver

Nov 15, 2019

By: Louis J. Terminello, Esq.

Local ordinances play a significant role in the establishment and operations of bars and restaurants in cities around the country. Cities and counties may regulate a multitude of issues including distance requirements between similar establishments, school and churches, hours of operation and sidewalk permits. These are but a few of the issues these ordinances address. Enter the Denver City Council which unanimously approved “the common consumption” ordinance the other night.

The ordinance is crafted in such away where a number of businesses that are “strung together” may apply for a special permit which allows consumers to roam freely (outdoors) between the establishments in a defined area with drink in hand. Apparently, the new ordinance is designed to increase business for drinking establishments that do not have roof-top patios. Denver licensing authorities stated that in general, sidewalk consumption will not be permitted but areas that are closed off to vehicle traffic such as alley ways and parking lots may be entitled to be included in the “common consumption” area.

Approval for the permit requires neighborhood and city approval prior to its issuance. Permits are expected to be issued beginning in spring of 2020.

As many of our readers know, Greenspoon Marder has offices in Denver and the Hospitality, Alcohol & Leisure Industry Group can assist licensed vendors in the Mile High City in this permitting process.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder LLP is a full-service law firm with over 240 attorneys and more than 20 office locations across the United States. With operations from Miami to New York and from Denver to Los Angeles, our firm attracts some of the nation’s top talent in key markets and innovation hubs. Our core practice areas include Real Estate, Litigation, and Transactional Services, complemented by the capabilities of a full-service firm. Greenspoon Marder has upheld a spot on The American Lawyer’s Am Law 200 as one of the top law firms in the U.S. since 2015, and our goal is to provide exceptional client service by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s business needs and objectives in order to provide strategic, cost-effective solutions.

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Greenspoon Marder Hospitality, Alcohol & Leisure Blog: New Drinking Ordinance in Denver

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