Boulder alters last call order

Boulder bars, restaurants and clubs can now serve alcohol until 11 p.m. because the city on Wednesday altered an emergency order prohibiting alcohol sales after 10 p.m.

City officials stated in a news release that Boulder’s improving COVID-19 metrics inspired the change, which went into effect 5 p.m. Wednesday. The release said last call for alcohol purchases is tied to the county’s dial level, which is determined by the state’s Safer-at-home order. Boulder is currently at Level 2, indicating concern but not high risk.

The original emergency order, issued Sept. 25, was a response to an increase in Boulder’s coronavirus cases, particularly among residents between the ages of 18 and 22. The order was in effect until Oct. 8, but the city last week opted to extend it. Officials hoped the emergency order would slow the coronavirus’ spread.

“Alcohol can play a big part in social gatherings,” City Manager Jane Brautigam said in a news release sent at the beginning of the emergency last call order. “We are hoping this order

will help curb the current case increase we are seeing among younger members of the community. We understand that this order may be frustrating for bars and restaurants that sell alcohol, but the intent is to prevent the city from reverting to Safer at Home Level 3, which would place a further burden on local businesses.”

The decision to alter the emergency last call order comes one day after Boulder eased restrictions on gathering sizes for young adults. Those between the ages of 18 and 22 now can gather in groups of six. At the height of the outbreak in September, the number had been limited to two.