Denver Officials Issue Citations To 'Nonessential' Businesses

DENVER — Public health officials at all levels of government have expressed empathy for businesses that have been forced to close amid Colorado's stay-at-home order; however, the new coronavirus death toll continues to rise, and Denver has been forced to issue citations to businesses that aren't following the order.

As of early Tuesday afternoon, four businesses in Denver had received citations, officials confirmed.

Appliance Factory, which has several locations in the city, has received two citations after officials witnessed "multiple" employees and customers not following social distancing rules, the city said. Patch reached out to the business for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

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Hobby Lobby stores across the Front Range have remained open, despite health officials deeming the chain nonessential. The chain said it supplies educational materials and products for home-based businesses, and therefore has a right to remain open; however, the Denver Hobby Lobby, at 920 S Monaco Pkwy, received a citation.

The video game store Gamestop, which has several locations in Denver, says it should remain open because it supplies mice and keyboards for those working from home, but health officials have deemed the chain nonessential and a citation was issued to the business.

Car Wash USA Express, at 603 Santa Fe Drive, was also issued a citation for remaining open, and the location closed. Patch reached out to the business for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

According to government data released Wednesday afternoon, 586 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Denver. The statewide stay-at-home order will be in effect until April 11, but Mayor Michael Hancock said Denver's order will be extended until April 30.

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