Troubled Liquor Store on Federal Boulevard Can Keep License…With Security Guards
Denver CO Aug 29 2022 Avondale Liquor, a liquor store at 1365 Federal Boulevard that has had a troubled few years under new ownership, can keep its license, albeit, with restrictions, Denver’s top licensing official has ruled.
“While the Licensee may not be the only attractor of crime in the area, testimony has established its failure to maintain the property in a neat and orderly fashion has signaled to criminals that the premises is not carefully watched and that criminal activity at this location would go unnoticed and unreported,” Molly Duplechian, executive director of the Department of Excise and Licenses, wrote in an August 24 decision granting a liquor license renewal for Avondale Liquor, while adding certain restrictions. “Testimony further established that the Licensee attracts criminal activity and violent criminal activity by not employing sufficient staff or security.”
This licensing odyssey for Avondale Liquor, which opened in 1979, began in June 2021, when the store applied for a liquor license renewal. While such renewals are often just formalities, the process also gives neighbors and others a chance to to lodge complaints against an establishment, potentially blocking the renewal.
Not long after Avondale Liquor filed its application, Excise and Licenses received objections from local registered neighborhood organizations as well as Councilmember Jamie Torres, who represents the area, and members of the Denver Police Department. Owing to thoaw complaints — most of which involved the business over the last few years, since it’s been under new ownership — Excise and Licenses held a virtual renewal hearing that took place over five days in October, November and December.
