Mile High City homeless camp now features pop-up bar, rent-a-tents for hookers

The homeless in Denver are making themselves comfy downtown, setting up a fully-stocked pop-up speakeasy bar and rent-a-tents for prostitutes, according to police.

(Video Credit: CBS Colorado)

“The pop-up speakeasy — which features lounge chairs, umbrellas, and astroturf — has taken over the sidewalk at 23rd Street and Champa Street, which the city’s growing homeless population turned into an encampment,” the New York Post reported.

We’re hearing there was an open bar, sales of alcohol, things like that,” Denver Police Patrol Division Chief Aaron Sanchez told CBS Colorado in an interview while taking stock of the tent city bar on Monday. “We have officers looking into that.”

The complaints came rolling into city officials as the liquor flowed in the tent city on the northern edge of downtown Denver while hot and cold hookers plied their trade among the down and out.

The encampment sprawls on the sidewalk, forcing residents to walk in the street to avoid it.

One of the tents was morphed into a modern-day speakeasy featuring couches, rugs, umbrellas, and tables for discerning clientele. It’s obvious what occurs there and the homeless who set it up are brazen about it.

“The spot was littered with dozens of liquor bottles — all of which were empty and displayed proudly on thrifted dressers and bookcases when police rolled through earlier this week,” the New York Post noted.

According to complaints, the prostitutes are utilizing the couches as well as the tents for hook-ups.

Meghan Shay, an executive at homeless aid group Step Denver, told CBS News in an interview that she saw the bar herself during one of her morning drives to work.

She asserted that the speakeasy would only make the city’s homeless problem worse. Shay cited a report stating that over 80% of the homeless have experienced lifetime alcohol and/or drug problems, according to the New York Post.

“A 2022 report on street mortality showed that drugs and alcohol were the cause of 60% of homeless deaths, Shay said,” the media outlet wrote.

“Local authorities are currently looking into the situation and addressing the complaints received from the public. The presence of the pop-up tavern has sparked a dialogue about the challenges faced by the homeless community and the need for comprehensive support services to address issues such as addiction,” The Thaiger reported.

“As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the city will respond to this unique situation and work towards finding sustainable solutions for its homeless population,” the media outlet contended, overlooking the fact that the situation is no longer unique as it has gone nationwide.

It’s sad to see Denver devolve this way:

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