What happens when a bar or club gets “too hot to handle” for a city? The city may try to strip it of its liquor license, effectively shutting the whole operation down. That’s the predicament facing the owner of the popular Beta Nightclub in Denver. While the final verdict has yet to be rendered, the city official that oversaw the hearing with the Department of Excise and Licenses now recommends that the club’s liquor license be revoked. Why did the…

Those who own a bar or nightclub in the greater Denver metro area can earn quite a lucrative income. However, running an establishment that sells alcohol means you must comply with city and state liquor license laws. Businesses that violate these laws risk losing their licenses, at least temporarily. In turn, the loss of a license to serve alcohol, even temporarily, can have a catastrophic effect on the business’s success and your earnings. Show cause hearings for license violations When…

Liquor is a big draw for a lot of businesses — not just restaurants and bars. These days, it’s not uncommon for a nail salon to have a wine bar where patrons can relax while they wait their turn, or painting studios to offer “paint and drink” nights for adults. You’re already aware that alcohol can’t be consumed on your premises by anybody under 21 years of age, but how old do your servers need to be? If you don’t…

Protecting your liquor license is important to you — but fake IDs are a major problem. There are some high-quality fakes out there, so how can you be held responsible for catching them all? Well, you generally can’t. More than likely, one or two bad IDs will eventually slip past you. This does not mean, however, that you’re relieved of all responsibility for weeding out underage drinkers and turning them away. What are the three types of phony IDs you’re…

Having a liquor license can help a restaurant with relatively thin margins make a profit. Be able to offer beer, wine and mixed drinks to patrons along with their meal can incentivize people to stay longer and consume more. Staff members can also expect bigger tips when customers spend more and order multiple rounds of drinks. Once you have invested the time and money necessary to secure a liquor license, your business needs to retain that license. Carefully training all…