Reader: If complaints from four residents can shut Rockbar, are other businesses in danger? | Cafe Society | Denver | Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado
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Reader: If complaints from four residents can shut Rockbar, are other businesses in danger?

Since it opened six years ago, Rockbar has been a hipster hangout -- the go-to place for Hollywood celebs during the Democratic National Convention, but also a regular stop for people out and about on the weekend, or who're just looking for a place to park (the All-Inn that holds...
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Since it opened six years ago, Rockbar has been a hipster hangout -- the go-to place for Hollywood celebs during the Democratic National Convention, but also a regular stop for people out and about on the weekend, or who're just looking for a place to park (the All-Inn that holds Rockbar has a lot -- a rarity on this stretch of Colfax) and then stop in for a drink while they watch the game.

But now Rockbar has hit the rocks. After a four-plus hour liquor-license renewal public meeting on September 24, the hearing officer has recommended that the license not be renewed. See also: - Hearing officer recomments against renewing Rockbar liquor license - Slide show: Midnight at Rockbar

Says guest:

This case should be a wake-up call to all business owners in Denver. If four residents representing themselves as the "voice" of two entire neighborhoods have the power to ultimately shut down a business, whose to say that this very same situation could happen to other business owners in Denver? I happen to live in Congress Park and I can tell you that the loud minority that chose to participate in this debacle does not represent me. The neighborhood association did not conduct any significant outreach to the community that they "represent" or even notify us of the "neighborhood's" position on this matter prior to the hearing. Where are the checks and balances in our city and within our neighborhood associations?

Do you live near Rockbar? How does this venue compare to the other bars along Colfax Avenue? Post your thoughts below -- and don't forget to share them with the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, too. The department is accepting comments on this recommendation through October 5, and then will issue a final decision the following week. E-mail those comments to the director at [email protected].


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