Colorado Governor Jared Polis is defending an executive order that moved last call for alcohol purchases to 10 p.m., a move that has prompted a lawsuit from a group of bars. Polis stated the order was a necessary, albeit temporary, measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 among younger demographics.
The governor's defense of the executive order and the subsequent lawsuit highlight the tension between public health measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 and the economic impact on businesses, particularly the hospitality sector.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis on Thursday defended an executive order that moved last call for alcohol purchases to 10:00 p.m., a decision that has led to a lawsuit from a group of bars in the state. Polis signed the order Tuesday, citing the 20-29 age group as being responsible for spreading infection in bars and restaurants.
The Tavern League of Colorado, a trade group representing 200 bars, filed a legal complaint in Denver District Court, calling the rules "arbitrary and capricious." The lawsuit, which also names the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and its executive director, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, argues the order is "uniquely onerous" and puts thousands of Coloradans out of work. The complaint also states there is no evidence that ordering alcohol after 10 p.m. increases the spread of COVID-19.
Polis acknowledged the rule is a "terrible temporary rule" but necessary due to the pandemic. He expressed a desire to work with lawmakers to allow local governments more discretion in setting last call times after the pandemic. In late June, Polis had also ordered bars to close for sit-down services due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. He indicated that if case numbers improve, the last call time could be adjusted to midnight.
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