By Scott Harvey
Commerce – Business owners in Downtown Commerce will now have to seek permission prior to any public event in which open containers will be allowed.
The Commerce City Council Tuesday approved the ordinance, which nullifies the 2005 Corridor Ordinance written by former city staff members that was believed to allowed open containers in the downtown area.
Upon further review of the original ordinance, passed in 1983, the City found the 2005 code did not amend the 1983 ordinance, therefore open containers are not allowed downtown.
Now, permission must be requested in writing to the Commerce City Manager prior to any special event in order for open containers to be allowed. Criteria for what constitutes a special event will be finalized in the next few weeks, but is expected to include such events like the Commerce Chili Fest and Bois D' Arc Bash.
All sales of alcohol shall take place during the special event, as specified by the City Manager or designee, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 on Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., New Years Eve (1:00 a.m. if day falls on Saturday), and 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on any other day.