Governor extends alcohol sales until 11 p.m. in Colorado

DENVER (KRDO) -- After a month of a 10 p.m. last call for alcohol in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis is issuing an extension of the restriction while somewhat loosening it at the same time.

In late July, Polis issued an order saying restaurants and bars couldn't serve alcohol past 10 p.m. for the next 30 days. Polis said data showed that late alcohol consumption led to an increase in the transmission of COVID-19.

Friday, the governor announced an extension to the order, but he said establishments can serve alcohol until 11 p.m. That goes into effect this weekend.

Polis said the spread of coronavirus in Colorado is mostly among people within the 20 to 29 year age group. Many of the growing cases in the state are due to younger people going to bars and restaurants, or holding large private gatherings, according to the state health department.

The Colorado Tavern League sued the state and filed for a temporary injunction over the July order, but a judge upheld the 10 p.m. last call. Some bar and restaurant owners testified that they could be forced to shut down their business within 3 months if the restrictions continue.

Polis said that alcohol sales could be extended to midnight next month if new data from the Colorado Department of Public Health supports the decision.

Bars in Colorado Springs had mixed reactions to the announcement. Phantom Canyon Brewing Company will continue to give customers a last call at 10 p.m.

"We’re still planning on closing at 10," Phantom Canyon Manager Christine Jakubek said. "But if people have another cocktail, now we have that room, a little bit more breathing room to allow people to hang out.”

The general manager of Supernova, however, won't hesitate to keep the drinks flowing for another hour starting Saturday. Audriana Sutherland told KRDO any little bit of sales help right now.