Area businesses taking advantage of "daiquiri delivery" loophole

An emergency coronavirus response measure that Colorado Governor Jared Polis rolled out this week has an unexpected loophole, and local businesses are rushing to be the first to corner a new market.

The initial "stay at home" order by Denver's mayor Michael Hancock, which went into effect on March 24, at 5 p.m., caused a panic and rush to liquor and pot stores, which were initially set to be closed under the order.

Governor Polis extended the order to the entire state on Thursday, March 26, at 6 a.m.

In an effort to decrease panic buying of alcohol and pot, however, it appears that an inadvertent typo in a draft text of the State of Colorado order has created a loophole that now allows business owners to deliver craft cocktails directly to homes.

According to a memo leaked from an anonymous staffer in the State of Colorado Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division, obtained by the "Left Hand Valley Courier" this week, the state was attempting to avoid the kind of panic buying caused by Denver's earlier order.

"Liquor stores are to remain open with strict social distancing measures in place" the state memo said.

In the margin of the document, however, there is a handwritten note in red ink. According to the anonymous tipster, the note was written by the governor himself: "Let them have their daiquiris."

It goes on to say, "We might as well deliver the daiquiris straight to their homes; it's safer that way."

As of press time, Governor Polis had not responded to a request for an interview.

The content of the internal memo somehow made it into the text of the official order which simply lists "Daiquiri delivery" as essential services.

Niwot business owner Rhum Punch didn't waste any time, expanding his interpretation of the new rule to include margaritas, mojitos, and whiskey sours. "They are all basically daiquiris, with liquor, lime, and sugar," said Punch.

Punch is currently mixing and blending drinks out of his condo behind the Niwot Market, but orders are surging so he expects to expand to a commercial kitchen facility and hire three to five new delivery drivers this week.