Vail identifies two places for public alcohol consumption

The Vail town manager on Thursday released the following press release about where people can publically consume alcohol in town:

The Vail Town Manager’s Office, in coordination with several town departments, including the police and fire departments and the Town Clerk’s Office, has authorized two public places to allow for alcohol consumption beginning Saturday, May 30. The locations are:

• Vail Village: A contiguous zone from the Children’s Fountain, south across Gore Creek Drive to the southern terminus of Wall Street
• Lionshead: The contiguous plaza area from West Lionshead Plaza to the west, to Lionshead Arcade to the east

Vail Town Council approved an emergency ordinance on May 19 that authorized the Town Manager to identify such locations to allow for public consumption of alcohol. Other areas may be identified, or approved areas may be modified over time, as the town evaluates operational and enforcement issues as well as obtains feedback from the business community.

The two town-owned locations were targeted as meeting a number of criteria set forth by the review group, such as locations that are natural public gathering areas, near restaurants and tracts of town property that are not designated public right of way. Signage and markers will be placed in these areas to help provide the boundaries of where alcohol may be consumed. Social distancing will be required and all patrons in these areas are asked to take personal responsibility with compliance related to Eagle County’s public health orders and the five Commitments of Containment. The town also requests that state and town liquor laws be followed and etiquette related to cleaning up trash after visiting the designated area be a priority. Alcohol may be consumed in these areas between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

In addition, the Town Clerk’s Office reports that it has pending applications from more than a dozen restaurants requesting an expansion of their liquor licensed premises. The ability to expand a premise into the town’s right of way is a means of allowing the public more ways to enjoy food and drink from Vail restaurants while maintaining required social distances. 

The Vail Police Department continues to remind guests and residents that public consumption of alcohol in Vail remains prohibited unless the area is designated with signage. This includes consumption of alcohol on any street, alley, sidewalk, pedestrian ways, bus stops or public building or parking lot in the town, or within any vehicle in those areas per Town Code 6-3C-4. All current liquor license requirements will still apply. This means it is prohibited to take an open drink into the public area from a liquor sales business. Patrons will need to request a takeout cup with the appropriate labels identifying the product came from a Vail licensed establishment and proceed only to the public spaces listed above. Modifications to these areas and emergency orders will be made as deemed necessary.

The Police Department will use a combination of education and enforcement as it relates to consumption regulations and is asking members of the community to set a good example for guests during the pandemic. Violations could result in fines up to $2,650 or 180 days in the county Jail.

For questions, please call the Vail Police Department at 970-479-2210.