On Tuesday June 30, 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued Executive Order D 2020 123 which amended and extended previous Executive Order D 2020 091. This order changes the conditions previously set bars in regards to opening and operations.
The order closes bars and restricts them from having any customers occupying the establishment. Bars are defined under Eighth Amended Public Health Order 20-28 Safer at Home (June 30, 2020) as:
- bars,
- taverns,
- brew pubs,
- breweries,
- microbreweries,
- distillery,
- pubs,
- wineries,
- tasting rooms,
- special licensees,
- clubs,
- and other places of public accommodation serving alcoholic beverages and, if serving food, only snacks and not kitchen-prepared meals.
Alcoholic beverages are available for sale and to-go at bars with food and approved containers per Executive Order D 2020 29. However, this does not apply to any establishment that offers served food from a licensed retail food establishment. Such establishments may have dine-in service as long as tables are kept at least six (6) feet apart. Bars that are open in accordance of a granted county variance are exempt.
Additionally, the Colorado Department of Revenue is directed to make sure the Liquor Enforcement Division takes action,
“within twenty-four (24) hours of submission of an application for temporary modification of a license for Bars that serve food from a licensed retail food establishment,”
that are in compliance with the social distancing requirements mentioned in bold above.
The order also modifies and provides more detailed recommendations/guidelines for those experiencing COVID-19 related, or flu like symptoms. For example, the new order directs those with experiencing even early or mild symptoms, to isolate until:
- they have no fever (without fever reducing medications),
- no other symptoms,
- and after at least ten (10) days have passed from the first appearance of symptoms.
The order expires July 30, 2020, unless extended.

Author: L. Maverick Flowers
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