RiNo lands Denver's 1st common consumption site
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Three businesses in Denver's RiNo Art District are betting on a novel plan to draw more people to the popular entertainment corridor.
The big picture: Denver City Council on Monday approved the North Wynkoop Entertainment District, paving the way for the city's first common consumption license.
- The license allows people to walk with drinks purchased at bars or restaurants outside the establishments as long as they stay within the consumption site's boundaries.
Why it matters: The site opens a new valve to fuel a struggling restaurant industry, creating an enticing attraction that can be replicated around Denver.
State of play: The entertainment district encompasses an area just a few miles northeast from downtown along Brighton Boulevard between 40th and 43rd streets, near Mission Ballroom.
Yes, but: The common consumption area is much narrower, limited to The Chubby Unicorn, The Peach Crease Club and Left Hand Brewing.
- Adults can drink at the plaza just outside 3,000-plus capacity Mission Ballroom, though they won't be able to go in and out of the venue with their booze, according to news reports.
Caveat: Drinks are marked to indicate they come from places within the boundaries, city licensing and consumer protection spokesperson Eric Escudero tells us.
- Outside alcohol won't be allowed.
Between the lines: Council members also approved making the common consumption program permanent, since it was initially set to expire in June.
What they're saying: "We see this as a new opportunity to get people back downtown in a strictly regulated environment," Escudero adds.
What's next: The common consumption license could be issued as soon as this weekend, Escudero says.