Avondale Liquors at 1365 N. Federal Blvd. is south of Colfax Avenue and southwest of the Decatur-Federal RTD station. (BusinessDen file)
A liquor store that has long been a concern for law enforcement is once again facing questions about its role in crime, including from a city councilwoman, and is now seeking help from the legal system.
Avondale Liquors is located on one of the city’s most violent street corners, at 1365 N. Federal Blvd. The owner believes he deserves sympathy for that. Others say he is to blame.
“Loitering and alcohol/drug use are still prevalent,” a board member of the Villa Park Neighborhood Association wrote to Denver police on July 3. “Ongoing police reports of drug/alcohol use indicate a higher level of activity at or near this location.”
When Avondale attempted to renew its liquor license in 2021, it sparked a 14-month debate about the extent to which it is a victim or cause of crime along that stretch of Federal. Despite objections from police and others, the store was was allowed to stayif it has improved.
A few weeks later, Avondale sues the Department of Excise and Licenses, which accused it of incorrectly taking into account the needs and desires of neighborhoods when considering the renewal of liquor licenses. A Denver judge quickly threw the case outon the grounds that Avondale’s license had been renewed, so the business had not been harmed by the city and therefore could not sue.
The licenses for the sale of alcohol had to be renewed every year until a change in the law which came into force earlier this month. Retailers must now renew their licenses every two years.
In May, Avondale applied for another license extension. Again, there was resistance.
An aide to Council President Jamie Torres, who represents the Avondale area, asked community leaders if they had any complaints about the store. She urged them to take photos and videos of liquor license violations there, “but your safety comes first.”
Both a local real estate agent and a board member of WeCAN, the West Colfax Association of Neighbors, questioned whether Avondale had security at night on weekends.
“This address and the surrounding area are considered a DPD hotspot and are regularly patrolled by officers,” a detective responded after one of the complaints was sent to him.
On the evening of May 10, the day Avondale applied for the extension, DPD vice squad members sent an underage cadet to Avondale. When no one checked his ID, the cadet paid $5 for a Bud Light Chelada, according to the police report. Additionally, Avondale lacked security that night, which violated the liquor license, DPD claims.
So a hearing will be held to decide if the store can stay open. In the meantime, the store is again trying to narrow down the factors that go into that decision. On August 19, it sued the tax authority for failing to consider the needs and desires of the neighborhood.
A spokesman for the tax and licensing authority declined to comment.
Avondale is owned by Zaid Ghebremeskeris, who bought it in 2020. His attorney is Adam Stapen of the Denver law firm Dill Dill. He declined to discuss the matter.
