Wednesday Dec 5 2007
I’ve known about this annoying ordinance for a while, but for some reason every Sunday afternoon I still keep hiking down to the 7-Eleven at 6th and Columbine attempting to purchase a six pack of beer. And every time I’m reminded that they are not permitted to sell beer at any time, reason being they’re located within 1,000 feet of a school.
I was reminded of this reading our local community newspaper “Life on Capitol Hill.” The December issue discusses a proposed new restaurant by entrepreneur Steve Whited called “Encore,” located in the Lowenstein Theater complex. The Lowenstein Complex is a fine example of urban renewal, and home to the famous Tattered Cover Bookstore and the new “Neighborhood Flix Theatre.” Encore is seeking approval for a full bar before commencing their property construction, however the Lowenstein complex is located a long stones throw away from East High School - pictured here from their Wikipedia page. This high school, set far back from the street behind an enormous fountain and acres upon acres of lawn, may cause Encore to be denied a license. Remember Encore will be located OPPOSITE a busy street, and in a business complex frequented by and oriented to adults. A city council meeting on December 7th will give them the green or red light. Encore must overcome the obstacle of the liquor proximity issue, as well as the more logical issue of neighbor concerns about outdoor patio noise.
Other than the reactionary “For The Children” reason I don’t understand how being near a school should impede a business from selling or serving liquor. Back to my 7-Eleven: they’re near an ELEMENTARY school. An elementary school makes LESS sense than a ban near a high school. Think what you want about the intelligence fortitude of convenience store clerks, but if a nine year old girl with a “Hello Kitty” backpack sauntered up with a couple forties I think the staff on duty would quickly put the kybosh on such transaction.
And the new Encore Restaurant (location pictured left) and similar venues? Servers and wait staff already card diners. Even if a group of high school kids DID sit down to eat, (which they wouldn’t because it would be 3pm and they couldn’t afford it anyway,) the waiter would card them, see that they’re only 15, and kick them out.
The Denver rule of “No liquor within 1,000 feet of a school” is annoying and insulting to adults and a hindrance to business. Servers are personally fined and businesses are dealt stiff penalties if caught serving to underage patrons. If they’re policed enough to restrict sales to under 21 it doesn’t matter if the denied patron is 8, 18, or 20.
Give Encore their license please. Should you care to support, (or not support,) them their hearing is Monday the 7th at 10:30am - 201 West Colfax. Liquor notice here.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I would like to see this argument reversed next time a school needs to be built.
Schools house kids that are loud, unruly and litter like no one’s business. Graffitti too! What say we ban schools from being built within a 1/2 mile of any business establishment. Cause, you know, they are just not good for business!
December 5th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Kath that’s a great idea.
Re: litter? No doubt about it. I bike to work past a large high school in southeast Denver almost daily. The trash and litter strewn along the street and adjacent park is staggering. I’ve spoken to the principal several times over the past few years - and without trying to come across as a complete crank explained I take pride in my city and the neighborhoods, and it remains the responsibility of the school, staff, and students to ensure that the area isn’t mistaken for a Burger King dumpster.
And thinking about it I don’t see this problem at East High School. It’s a beautiful building and well kept - but the “kids getting into the liquor cabinet” non-issue shouldn’t be a concern. East High and Lowenstein are two completely separate self contained entities whose paths don’t cross.
Maybe their worry is teachers taking a mid day Jack Daniels and/or tequila break?
December 6th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Generally underage kids don’t get their booze from stealing it. Someone who’s of legal age gets it for them.
Most people have cars, so 1,000 ft. really doesn’t mean anything. Last time I checked, marijuana was illegal and not sold in any stores, and somehow teenagers get their hands on it.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Hey Fox - hope you finally escaped the great white north of MSP!
Too bad you didn’t get stuck in Detroit. The Northwest Terminal is one of the nicest facilities in the country.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:03 am
I was lucky enough to survive! Thanks :)
It’s a strange airport though, only Subway and McDonald’s open after 11…not even a little snack shop for goodies.
December 6th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
does the chipolte in the same complex serve? typically chipoltes serve coronas. i could care less if the encore gets it’s license or not. i think the law that is in place is a good one and i’m not insulted in the least.
December 7th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
i should also say that i wish your friends the best of luck with the encore, i think it’s a great idea. a couple of my friends went there last week and had a great experience.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Hubs did you mean “Neighborhood Flix?” I’m glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t done dinner and a show there yet but looking forward to it. I checked love the open airy restaurant and large comfy theaters. It truly looks like the “first class” of indy cinemas.
Oh and I don’t know if that particular Chipotle serves beer - but good question.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:50 am
Hello kitty back packs…..couple of 40’s….
that’s just too funny!