On March 20th, Governor Polis signed an executive order allowing Anise (and all liquor licensees licensed for on premises consumption) to sell alcohol for carry out, and delivery. This executive order will end on April 18th.

On March 22nd, Gov. Jared Polis ordered non-essential businesses to reduce the number of people physically present in the workplace by 50 percent, and more if possible.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock issued an order today, March 23rd, requiring residents to stay at home in response to the spread of the coronavirus. “This isn’t a recommendation anymore. People need to stay at home,” they Mayor said. “We will enforce when and where necessary.” This order is effective at 5PM Tuesday, March 24th and will be in effect until at least April 10th. Restaurants are considered essential and are therefore EXCLUDED from this order and may continue to provide to-go, delivery, and drive-through services.

Since there are so many executive orders in such a short time, there are a lot of uncertainties and our customers have many questions. With this blog, we’d like to clear up some of those uncertainties. Please feel free to share this blog with everyone especially other restaurateurs who may benefit from this information.

First is a new CDPHE Guidance for Restaurants on offering Raw & Bulk Foods and General Consumer Goods:

In regard to the CDPHE’s Guidance to restaurants to provide Raw & Bulk foods, Anise has decided to not participate at this time, but we will continue to monitor our customer interests. If our customers express the desire for us to provide this service, then Anise may consider participating at that time. If we do participate, Anise will offer Raw & Bulk Foods along with General Consumer Goods at cost as a service to our community.

In regard to the alcohol take-out or delivery rules, as per the Colorado Restaurant Association:

• Operators must have one of the following licenses: Beer and Wine, Brew Pubs, Club Licenses, Distillery Pubs, Hotel & Restaurant, Lodging and Entertainment, Tavern, or Vintners Restaurant
• The order applies to all types of beer, wine, and spirits (cocktails and mixed drinks included).
• Beverages must be in a sealed container – sealed containers include plastic cups with plastic lids, even if there is a straw hole, as long as there isn’t a straw in it
• Restaurants can not refill growlers. Colorado’s Liquor Enforcement Division (LED) just updated its ruling and has decided that on-premises retailers may not refill and sell alcohol beverages in growlers and crowlers.
• Sale of food must be on the same receipt or transaction
• As always, sales to someone under 21 or someone who is visibly intoxicated are prohibited
• For delivery orders, individuals placing the order must be 21 years of age or over, and must provide their name, date of birth, and delivery address. This information must be verified upon delivery.
• Establishments licensed as a distillery pub or a brewery may only sell what’s made on site
• Deliveries may only be made to the address provided at the time of the order
• Persons making the delivery must be 21 years old or older and an employee of the licensee
• Licensee must retain all records regarding the delivery of alcohol beverages

We are offering our house wines at $15 a bottle (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio).

If you are a restaurateur, please take sometimes to help make sure the Federal Government provides relief for restaurants and their employees here, and please fill out this form to help trigger a response from the Federal Government to open up relief funding in our state. Please email the form to John-Michael Hill with Denver’s Economic Development Office at john-michael.hill@denvergov.org. John will forward them on Colorado’s behalf. If your restaurant is still providing take-outs and deliveries, then make sure it’s listed on the Denver.org website by filling out this form.

Again, we’d like to thank all the front line COVID-19 First Responders – nurses, doctors, healthcare providers, and all those scientists who are working steadfastly toward a COVID-19 cure. We appreciate everything you do. We will beat this pandemic together.

Be safe and stay healthy!

Anise