Denver’s 4 a.m. Bar Opening Proposal Ignites Debate

A plan in Denver could let some places stay open until 4 a.m. This has mixed reactions from people. City officials believe it might make things safer. Others think it could create more risks.

The plan says that places will stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m. This is the law in Colorado. However, nightclubs can stay open for two more hours. They can serve food and drinks that do not have alcohol. This will help people leave slowly.

City officials want to reduce large crowds leaving together. In busy areas like LoDo, big crowds can lead to fights and problems. Eric Escudero from the city says they want to stop violence and support businesses.

The plan is part of changing the rules for entertainment. This is the first big update in 40 years. It will change 14 types of licenses into three: adult entertainment, limited entertainment, and nightclub licenses.

Some business owners are unsure. They feel some places may gain more customers, but costs could go up. Opponents worry that later hours may lead to more drunk driving. They also mention there is not enough late-night public transport. The city is asking for feedback and will update the plan before presenting it to the City Council in June. If the Council approves it, new rules could start on January 1.

How much do you know?

What time could some places in Denver potentially stay open until?

2 a.m.

3 a.m.

4 a.m.

5 a.m.

Who believes that the plan might make things safer?

City officials

Nightclub owners

Opponents

Residents

According to the plan, when will places stop serving alcohol?

Midnight

1 a.m.

2 a.m.

3 a.m.

How many types of licenses will the new rules change into?

10

5

3

2

Which area is mentioned as a place where big crowds can lead to problems?

LoDo

Downtown

Uptown

Capitol Hill

What will the new plan help people to do?

Stay longer

Leave slowly

Drink more

Party harder

The plan allows nightclubs to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.

True False

City officials are concerned about large crowds leaving together.

True False

This is the first big update to the rules in the past 20 years.

True False

Some business owners believe that costs may go up with the new plan.

True False

The city is not seeking any feedback about the proposed plan.

True False

New rules could potentially start on January 1.

True False

Nightclubs can stay open for two more hours and serve food and drinks that do not have alcohol to help people leave slowly.

The city is asking for feedback and will update the plan before presenting it to the City in June.

Some opponents worry that later hours may lead to more drunk driving.

This plan is the first big update in years.

City officials want to reduce large crowds leaving together to stop violence and support .

The new rules will change 14 types of licenses into three: adult entertainment, limited entertainment, and licenses.

This question is required