Denver Shelter Order Updated: Exceptions for Liquor Stores, Dispensaries

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  by: Colorado Pols March 23, 2020 at 3:51 PM MDT

UPDATE #2: From the City and County of Denver:

 

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UPDATE: STOP PANIC BUYING — CHANGES ARE COMING!!!

We’re hearing from sources in the City of Denver that this order is being revised and restrictions on liquor stores and dispensaries are being adjusted. From what we understand, the logic here was to start restrictions broadly and then make adjustments as necessary, which follows guidance that has been presented by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the United States.

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Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

An unexpected development this afternoon in the City and County of Denver this afternoon, as Mayor Michael Hancock imposes a citywide “shelter in place” order shutting down businesses deemed nonessential–and controversially including liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries in the order, when those businesses have been permitted to remain operating in other jurisdictions–as the Denver Post reports:

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock on Monday ordered residents to stay in their homes and announced that non-essential businesses such as liquor stores and recreational marijuana dispensaries would close across the city starting Tuesday…He told Denverites to stock up tonight on alcohol (and recreational marijuana) if they need to.

At Argonaut Wine & Liquor, 760 E. Colfax Ave., the mayor’s order created an instant rush Monday afternoon. Within 15 minutes of the press conference, a line about a block long formed outside the building, according to co-owner Josh Robinson. In order to adhere to public health guidelines around social distancing and keep people spaced out inside, staff acted like bouncers, allowing one shopper in for each person that left.

“It’s created a safety issue in the short term,” Robinson said. “The mayor said not to panic buy, but that is exactly what he encouraged people to do by shutting us down.” [Pols emphasis]

We’re hearing reports already of long lines forming outside Denver liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries. For public health officials trying to get the public to isolate and spatially distance themselves, this could be considered counterproductive.

This story will be updated.

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14 Community Comments, Facebook Comments

  1. davebarnes says:
    March 23, 2020 at 4:09 PM MDT

    HandOnCock is a fucking idiot.

    Jared better get out in front of this or there will panic buying statewide.

    3 hours later, he is still a fucking idiot. No slack for him.

  2. 2Jung2Die says:
    March 23, 2020 at 4:58 PM MDT

    Hopefully the Hizzoner will learn from this experience and think twice before recriminalizing psilocybin!

  3. JohnInDenver says:
    March 23, 2020 at 6:42 PM MDT

    There are SO many organizations which ought to be exempted from the order, assuming there can be equivalent "physical distancing" in the workplace/service area. 

    I don't suppose there is any sort of "appeal" process built into the Hancock order, though.

  4. harrydoby says:
    March 23, 2020 at 8:16 PM MDT

    Closing liquor stores or dispensaries would be like Putin banning vodka.  What was Hancock thinking? 

    It's the answer to the question, "What's the fastest way to start a general revolt?"

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