Licensing activity in our Upper Downtown Neighborhood has picked up in the last few months. We’ve seen several new restaurant and bar openings, location changes and transfers of ownership. We’ve also seen our first applicant involving a cannabis operation.
JARS Cannabis entered into Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) with the Upper Downtown Neighborhood Association (UpDoNa) in January of this year. They took over the operation of the previous pot shop at 16th and Tremont. The owners, operating 35 stores nationwide, didn’t require a hearing as it was a license transfer. JARS became a Business Member and executed a GNA because they wish to be a contributing member of our community and have a positive business impact downtown. They are offering UpDoNa members a 30% discount.
Lime, an UpDoNa Business Member and GNA signatory, is a DJ driven upscale nightclub moving their operation from its location in the Pavilions Mall (previous to that, downstairs in Larimer Square) to the corner of 16th and Champa, second floor. Featuring 8 themed VIP areas, Lime will operate primarily Friday and Saturday nights, 9PM – 2 AM. Curt Sims, the majority owner, also owns and operates Lime bars in Winter Park and Keystone Village. They are shooting for a May/June opening. The Lime Excise & Licensing hearing was held April 12th, attended by Lisa Pope and Garis Smith representing UpDoNa and also testifying as residents residing in the “Designated Area”.
La Diabla, a Business Member and GNA signer, is now open and operating in the old Dazzle space in the Bauer Building. The TAG Group has inaugurated Done Deal, Monday – Friday, 3 PM – 8 PM, a cocktail bar in the Republic Plaza lobby.
99 Bottles on 15th Street had a freeze/flooding problem that has taken several weeks to repair. They hope to officially open in early May. 4 Play Whiskey and Tequila next door is still waiting to go operational. Have not had an update on the proposed magic bar, Vanish, nor any news on Bombshells, slated to go into 1400 Arapahoe.
Earlier in the year, the Colorado Convention Center applied to modify its current liquor license to expand into areas that previously were not covered, including exhibit halls, meeting rooms and ballrooms. It appears that the entire structure is now covered.
Le Meridian/AC Hotel on California and 15th changed ownership and Guard & Grace expanded their licensed area to cover the entranceway and lobby.
The Embassy Suites on Stout Street also changed hands back in December.
Garis Smith, Chair of GNC
