Rule Bans Bars, Many Restaurants From Creating Pot-Use Areas

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS DENVER — Nov 18, 2016, 9:32 PM ET

Bars and many restaurants in Denver won't be able to offer on-site marijuana consumption because of a new state rule announced Friday that prohibits liquor-license holders from applying for the permit.

The new regulation, approved by the Liquor Enforcement Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue, takes effect Jan. 1 and strikes a major blow to Denver's voter-passed initiative to allow patrons to consume cannabis in such establishments, according to The Denver Post ( https://goo.gl/eQWg3t )

Supporters of the city's initiative, which passed in the Nov. 8 election, reacted with dismay and said they were studying the state's decision.

"It's remarkable that state officials are trying to scare bars and restaurants into not seeking these permits," said Mason Tvert, a spokesman for the national Marijuana Policy Project and a proponent of the consumption law. "The Department of Revenue is fighting a turf battle on behalf of the liquor industry."

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Bars can’t seek new Denver social marijuana use permits allowed by Initiative 300, state says

New regulations include rule barring liquor licensees from allowing marijuana consumption on premises

By JON MURRAY | jmurray@denverpost.com
PUBLISHED: November 18, 2016 at 4:30 pm | UPDATED: November 18, 2016 at 6:34 pm

State licensing officials delivered a blow Friday to Denver’s voter-passed Initiative 300 by announcing a new rule that will keep bars and many restaurants from applying for new social marijuana use permits.

The new regulation starting Jan. 1 will make clear that liquor licensees cannot allow the consumption of marijuana on their premises. It greatly expands the types of businesses that likely will be disqualified from applying for the new permits for on-site marijuana consumption areas when the city makes applications available in late January, as required by Initiative 300.

Already, licensed marijuana businesses, including dispensaries, can’t allow consumption on site under state law. Now add to that all bars and other businesses that serve alcohol, potentially including event venues.

Some of Initiative 300’s backers were caught off guard by the new rule, while others had state discussions on their radar. The Liquor Enforcement Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue developed the regulation administratively in recent months, and the department’s director approved it.

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