City denies Rockbar's liquor-license application renewal

Tom Downey, director of the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, just issued his final decision regarding Rockbar's application to renew its liquor licenses for the hipster hangout on East Colfax. Downey's decision? No. And if that order stands, Rockbar will be high and dry within the month. See also:...

By Patricia Calhoun

October 8, 2012

Audio By Carbonatix

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Tom Downey, director of the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, just issued his final decision regarding Rockbar's application to renew its liquor licenses for the hipster hangout on East Colfax. Downey's decision?

No.

And if that order stands, Rockbar will be high and dry within the month.

In issuing his final order, Downey extended Rockbar's hotel and restaurant liquor license to November 7, because of "sympathy for the employees of the Rockbar who will be impacted by this decision," he writes, and also recognizing "the high likelihood that Licensee will appeal this Decision and Order."

But the dance cabaret license, which allows live entertainment, expires effective immediately. "The health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood are still of tremendous concern and must weigh heavily in finding a temporary balance," says Downey.

Responds Morreale: Oh, and so people can't dance? Because of the 'health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood'? Seriously, are we living in a scene from Footloose?

We'll have more from Morreale and Downey later this week. In the meantime, here's Downey's official decision:

Rockbar Final Decision and Order

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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