September 17th 2023.
A homeless encampment in Denver has recently come under the national spotlight due to its new additions- a pop-up bar complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tents that are rumored to be renting out for what some consider the world's oldest profession.
Denver Police Patrol Division Chief Aaron Sanchez told CBS Colorado that they were hearing reports of an open bar, sales of alcohol, and other activities. He also mentioned that they have officers looking into the matter as numerous complaints have been made due to the bar infringing upon the walkway for pedestrians. Reports also suggest that the area is littered with empty liquor bottles, implying that the bar has a significant stream of customers.
Meghan Shay, the director of development and marketing at Step Denver, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping homeless men, believes that the setup of the bar could cause greater harm than just disrupting the walkers. She stated that drug and alcohol addiction is a persistent problem among homeless individuals and encouraging its usage in this way could worsen addicts’ journey as they battle with the disease.
Since the bar is unregulated except by the people living in the encampment, the safety of those participating, including those involved in the alleged solicitation of sex work, is also a major concern. This is a delicate issue as it involves the agency and autonomy of the unhoused individuals, especially as they build a comfortable gathering place within the area. However, the continuation of this bar is being investigated by local authorities, as addiction is a primary reason for why many are in this predicament, as well as the cause of over 60% of houseless peoples' deaths last year.
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