After Marathon’s alcohol licensing hearing, readers debate the future of beta

Denver City’s eighteen-hour hearing for the Beta Events Center had it all: suggestions for drug dealing, Von Miller’s party, and even mafia hookups for club owner Valentes Corleons. The Denver Department of Excise and Licensing issued the show cause order in August, accusing Beta of losing its liquor and cabaret licenses due to numerous violations. On November 17 and 18, a long list of police and other witnesses testified about the violations they saw in Beta, while employees and others responded.

With the marathon hearing now over, Federico Alvarez, a former Denver District Court judge who presided over the proceedings, will issue a recommended ruling, likely in a matter of weeks. After that, Ashley Kilroy, Executive Director of Excise and Licensing, will have the final say on what happens to Beta’s liquor license. But in the meantime, readers have a lot to say in their comments on the . Said Kevin:

Fights and cocaine in a popular club ?! Hell you say.

Greg adds:

Based on these claims, maybe they should shut down Red Rocks as well? Drug trafficking, underage alcohol consumption, gang bangers… all seem pretty much the same thing. Or stop being a Karen gang.

Kyle answers:

I live in the neighborhood and this place is a threat. I love the energy of the bars along Blake, Market and Larimer, but this place stands out as a magnet for violence and bullshit.

Suggests Tara:

The city must stop using public nuisances as a weapon and punishment. It’s meant to solve a problem, and the city uses it as a weapon when it doesn’t have criminal charges. It is an inappropriate application and deprives individuals of due process.

Against Jared:

They get a hearing. It is due process.

Nathen Offers:

Municipal equivalent of “it annoys me!”

Joël answers:

When the best defense argument is “none of these offenses are that bad,” you know they have a strong case.

Asks Jenna:

If you didn’t make bad decisions at Beta, did you even grow up in CO?

Jason concludes:

The real beta ended years ago. It’s time to go.

While awaiting the city’s decision, Beta is still open. What do you think of the club? The Denver audience? Post a comment or share your thoughts on [email protected]