Police investigate assault and drugging reports at University Hill bar
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Scrooge Sul on University Hill is currently closed. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios Boulder
Boulder police are investigating reports of sexual assault and suspected drugging in connection with a University Hill bar that has closed in the wake of liquor license violations.
The latest: The allegations involve "intoxicated underage females" at Scrooge Sul, 1149 13th St., police said.
- Local law enforcement did not specify how many victims have come forward, but detectives are concerned there could be more who have not been identified.
- No arrests have been announced.
Zoom in: The University of Colorado Boulder issued a statement saying the school could not confirm whether any of the named victims were students, citing privacy laws.
- No one from the restaurant could be reached Friday.
Between the lines: The liquor license of Scrooge Sul, which is currently closed, was temporarily suspended by the city, according to posted signage.
- Liquor license violations occurred between Oct. 4, 2025, and Feb. 18, 2026, the signage indicates.
According to posted signage, the liquor license violations include:
- Altering the premise without permission from the city's Beverage Licensing Authority.
- Selling alcohol to a person under age 21, a habitual drunkard or a visibly intoxicated person.
- Violation of "conduct of establishment" rules, which can cover illegal activities at the location.
What they're saying: "The safety and well-being of potential victims is the department's highest priority, and no underage victim or witness who was intoxicated will be penalized for coming forward with information related to this investigation," said Boulder police Chief Stephen Redfearn in a statement.
- "We want to hear from victims and witnesses so we can thoroughly investigate these allegations and ensure future sexual assaults are prevented."
The big picture: Given the Hill is an area that primarily serves CU students, the BLA has had problems in the past with some University Hill bars serving underage drinkers.
What's next: The BLA will hold a hearing on the violations Monday night.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has information on the case should contact detective Andrea Tuck at 720-854-8823 or [email protected] and reference case No. 26-01803.
- The CU Office of Victim Assistance can be reached at 303-492-8855 or [email protected].