The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment has gotten tougher lately on local businesses that fail to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. Over the past five weeks, the DDPHE temporarily closed five bars in the city all of which have now been allowed to reopen as part of enforcement efforts as the city worked to qualify for the State of Colorado s 5-Star program, which would allow for an easing of capacity restrictions at restaurants and other businesses.
According to DDPHE data, the department has issued temporary closure orders against 25 businesses or facilities dating back to the pandemic s start, including twelve since October. To date, 23 of the operations have reopened.