Denver Venue Won Right to Sell Food and Alcohol
A court order allowed Native Hotel and Gatsby Social to resume limited operations following a recent licensing dispute.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Food and Drink
Live Poll
Should city officials be able to suspend business licenses based on alleged public safety concerns?
Native Hotel and Gatsby Social has secured a court order permitting the business to resume food and alcohol sales. The ruling follows the city's September 4, 2026, decision to suspend the establishment's licenses over allegations of an unsafe environment.
Why it matters
The reinstatement of the retail food license comes after the establishment successfully addressed previous fire code violations. While food and drink sales are permitted, the venue remains barred from operating its nightclub under its dance cabaret license.
The city first revoked the retail food license in April 2026 due to fire code violations. Officials previously suspended licenses on September 4, 2026, citing the creation of an unsafe environment.
The players
Native Hotel and Gatsby Social
This is a hospitality business located in the LoDo neighborhood of Denver.
City of Denver
This is the municipal authority responsible for issuing and revoking business and entertainment licenses.
The details
The court order was published on September 18, 2026, following a filing by Gatsby Social on September 13 to dismiss the city's suspension orders. Although the venue can now serve patrons, it maintains a denial regarding allegations of unreported violence occurring outside the LoDo property.
Timeline
April 2026: The city first revoked the retail food license due to fire code violations.
September 4, 2026: Denver officials suspended the venue's licenses citing an unsafe environment.
September 13, 2026: Gatsby Social filed to dismiss the city's suspension orders.
September 18, 2026: A court order was published allowing the resumption of food and alcohol sales.
Industry Dynamics
The situation highlights the complex regulatory oversight Denver enforces on nightlife establishments, often involving multiple tiers of licensing. This case illustrates the ongoing tension between local business operations and municipal public safety requirements.
Patrons in LoDo may now access the venue for food and drinks as regular operations resume. However, visitors should be aware that the nightclub portion of the facility remains closed to the public.
The takeaway
Business owners in the hospitality sector should maintain rigorous compliance with fire safety codes to avoid extended licensing disruptions. Patrons should check the operating status of local nightlife venues before planning visits, as licensing conditions can change frequently.
Further reading
For more information on local restaurant operations and licensing, visit Denver Food and Drink.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX31 Denver KDVR.
Live Poll
Should city officials be able to suspend business licenses based on alleged public safety concerns?
