Gov. Jared Polis is ordering restaurants and stores to stop selling alcohol after 10 p.m. each night in an effort to prevent inebriated residents from spreading coronavirus.
Polis said the earlier last call is needed because young adults have become the top spreaders of coronavirus in Colorado.
“This is a short-term public health necessity in our state because alcohol reduces inhibition, and when people are out late at night we are seeing that spread in that 20 to 29-year-old age group,” Polis said. “If you do want to get inebriated, do it at home with just a few other people…”
The new restriction will start Thursday and last for 30 days. A spokesperson for the governor said the change applies to all businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol.
Last call was previously 2 a.m. in the state.
Polis says COVID-19 cases are continuing to increase in Colorado.
“The total number of hospitalizations continues to grow, and that is a trend we are worried about,” he said.
Polis issued an executive order last week requiring residents to wear face coverings in public.
