Denver could soon let bars stay open until 4 a.m. — but there’s a catch

Denver is considering pushing bar and nightclub closing times from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. under a new proposal from the city’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection — and no, that’s not a last-call hallucination. The measure, which is set to go before Denver City Council in June, would represent the biggest overhaul of the city’s nightlife regulations since the 1980s. The proposal was developed alongside the mayor’s office and the Denver Police Department, and if approved, could take effect as early as Jan. 1.

Before you get too excited, pump the brakes — the proposal does not change last call. Alcohol service would still stop at 2 a.m., as required by state law. The idea is to let patrons stick around after last call to finish their drinks, grab some food and trickle out gradually, rather than having thousands of people spill out onto the streets of LoDo all at the same time. “When all the bars let out around 2 a.m., all of a sudden it can get a little crazy downtown,” said Eric Escudero, a city spokesman. The proposal also cuts major red tape, slashing the number of entertainment licenses venues need from 14 down to just three. Not everyone is on board — Mothers Against Drunk Driving has raised concerns, noting that “someone who stopped drinking at 2 a.m. could still be impaired at 4 a.m.” — but plenty of bar owners and patrons say they’re open to the idea.