Greeley may be the first in the state to take advantage of a bill passed by the Legislator last year that allows communities to designate areas for outdoor alcohol consumption.
The Greeley “common consumption area” would revolve around the 9th Street plaza, where many of the city’s bars and restaurants live.
In order for the city to make this happen though, the Greeley City Council must approve an ordinance for a larger Entertainment District.
Once the entertainment District is approved by city council, business owners in the area would be able to band together to form a “promotional association,” which would decide how to best move forward with the consumption area. They will still have to follow requirements set by state and city laws.
Some guidelines for the possible consumption area include the use of 16 oz. disposable cups with the company’s name in 24-point font, an area with physical barriers such as streets, and members of the district would have to pay for security and maintenance.
The Downtown Development Authority would be just one of the members on the self-governing council, the rest being business owners in the common consumption area.
Even with all the effort that needs to go into making this happen, this summer would only be a trial run, leaving it open to public opinion in the next year.
Alison Hamling, director of downtown experience for the Downtown Development Authority, was the one who brought the idea of a common consumption area to Greeley.
She told the Greeley Tribune that the possibilities are endless, from retail stores that could benefit from the additional revenue, to members pooling together to get a band to play on the block.
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