Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jul 2015
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent (CO)
Copyright: 2015 Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/ys97xJAX
Website: http://www.postindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/821
Author: Carl L. McWilliams

EQUAL PROTECTION FROM BOOZE

Now that the Glenwood Springs City Council has unequivocally denied 
(6-1) the two marijuana retail outlets in the downtown core, a 14th 
Amendment issue of "equal protection" and "due process" has emerged 
in regards to a liquor license application made by the Eagles Saloon 
located on Seventh Street. The public hearing for the renewal of the 
saloon's liquor license is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 8 at City Hall.

Based upon the equal protection clause when juxtaposed with the logic 
in the council's decision to deny Green Dragon and Recreational 
Releaf Dispensary Bar; (that the community is "already well served" 
and additional retail outlets of marijuana will "damage the family 
atmosphere of GWS") establishes a de facto constitutional rights 
precedent whereby the City Council must now deny the Eagles Saloon 
liquor license application because Seventh Street is "already well 
served" with on-site liquor sales next door to the Eagles Saloon: The 
Riviera, Juicy Lucy's, the Pullman and the Hotel Denver.

If the council's desire is to protect families from the dangers of 
marijuana, then under the equal protection clause, families are also 
entitled to be protected by the council from public drunkenness. It 
is a well-known fact the Eagles Saloon is a constant source of public 
drunkenness at night around the pedestrian bridge the City Council 
projects as a "family area." Furthermore, police 911 calls to break 
up drunken brawls at the Eagles Saloon is a common occurrence.

Accordingly, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. 
The downtown core is "already well served with barstools and whiskey" 
without relicensing the Eagles Saloon. Therefore, under the 14th 
Amendment (in order to protect families from exposure to public 
drunks) and just as Green Dragon and Recreational Releaf Dispensary 
Bar were denied, the Eagles Saloon liquor license must be also be denied.

Carl L. McWilliams

Glenwood Springs
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom