Restaurant patrons starting Friday will be able to consume to-go alcohol beverages in a designated warming area under the Grand Avenue Bridge. This is intended to provide an area where people can take to-go beverages and food from the restaurants.
Bethel Plaza, located beneath the Grand Avenue Bridge, will be outfitted with warming areas for patrons to enjoy food and drinks while shopping or waiting for a table at nearby restaurants. The area is marked by fencing which will also provide some wind protection. Alcohol consumption hours are Monday through Thursday 11am to 8pm, and Friday through Sunday 11am until 9pm.
The City has purchased six igloos to place downtown for patrons to take food inside of. This is intended to provide an area where people can take to-go beverages from the restaurants and to expand outdoor dining. The City is furnishing, maintaining, and cleaning the structures and seating area. The public is encouraged to use their own sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer in addition to the regular cleaning throughout the day provided by City staff. The City expects to have the igloos erected within the next couple of weeks pending delivery from the vendor.
The City has purchased branded blankets for restaurants to giveaway to patrons to encourage outdoor dining which will be available beginning Friday. Interested restaurants should contact Matt Nunez, Economic Development Specialist, at 970-384-6424 or matt.nunez@cogs.us. These efforts are being undertaken with careful consideration of social distancing requirements and the needs of local businesses. Private security will be employed for the downtown seating area beginning Friday.
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