Recreation - Greenwood Village

TAKEnote
BUSINESS
LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS:
DON’T SET YOUR BUSINESS UP
FOR POTENTIAL LOSS
Greenwood Village views the holding of a liquor license as a
privilege because of the devastating impact one small decision
could have on an entire community. Businesses and servers
undertake a high level of responsibility to ensure the safe and
legal delivery of alcohol to its patrons. Special care with the
distribution of alcohol must be taken by liquor licensees and
their employees to safeguard the livelihood of not only their
patrons, but also the future success of their business.
THE ROLE OF THE
LIQUOR LICENSE AUTHORITY
Ninety-five establishments currently hold a liquor license in
Greenwood Village. In Colorado, the liquor license is
considered a dual license. This means liquor is a statewide
and local concern in regulating and controlling the sales and
consumption of alcoholic beverages. The Greenwood Village
City Council, acting as the Village’s Liquor License
Authority, considers all requests for liquor licenses, including
new applications, transfer of ownership, renewals, and
corporate structure/stock changes. They also decide whether a
liquor license is suspended or revoked if there is a violation of
the liquor license. Depending on how a business intends to
sell alcoholic beverages determines the type of liquor license
they are granted. Simply applying for a liquor license does
not guarantee the issuance.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUSINESS
OWNER AND REGISTERED MANAGER
As a liquor licensee, the business owner and registered
manager are granted full authority and control over all
business relative to alcohol beverages being served on the
license premises. The liquor license also prohibits the
business from selling or serving liquor to minors, visibly
intoxicated persons, and known habitual drunkards.
Although the majority of business owners are active in their
day-to-day operations, monitoring and reinforcing rules with
their managers and employees regarding the sale of alcoholic
beverages can avoid costly mistakes.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMPLIANCE CHECKS
In an effort to ensure the safety of the community, the
Greenwood Village Police Department conducts liquor
compliance checks to identify establishments which are not
adhering to Colorado State and local codes pertaining to the
sale of alcoholic beverages and serving to underage persons
(as a courtesy, the Police Department randomly notifies each
liquor licensee, by letter, of an upcoming compliance check).
During the compliance check, minors patronize the liquor
establishments in an attempt to purchase alcohol. Most
businesses pass the compliance check, while others fail.
continued on page 18
Liquor
licensees
have a duty
to serve
alcohol
responsibly
and in the
manner
provided by
State and
local laws.
One mistake
could be
devastating
and impact
an entire
community.
MARCH 2011 | GV NEWSLETTER PG. 17