DENVER — Colorado bars can reopen with up to 25% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer, according to guidelines finalized by the state this week.
Officials released the proposed guidelines Monday before finalizing them Thursday afternoon.
The move allows for bars that don't offer dining options to reopen under Colorado's safer-at-home phase. Restaurants that serve alcohol were allowed to reopen under guidelines in May. Bars will be required to space seating tables at least six feet apart under the guidelines.
Locations that are considered to be large venues will have the option to allow up to 100 patrons, depending on their square footage.
Read the full guidelines on indoor events and square footage calculations here.
Gov. Jared Polis on Monday said the changes come after Colorado has seen a downward trend in cases in 12 of the last 14 days and a downward trend in hospitalizations in eight of the last 14 days.
Still, Polis emphasized the need for Coloradans to continue maintaining six feet of distance and wearing masks in public. The guidelines released Monday, while relaxed, included guidance to maintain both of those measures.
"Masks are the ticket to the Colorado we love," Polis said.
