Along with table spacing, Owens also looks for signs posted throughout the restaurant, warning customers they have to wear masks when not at their table. He looked for special signs from the Tri-County Health Department with QR codes that allow diners to file complaints about COVID precautions if they see them.
Owens also verifies that the ventilation system inside the restaurant has been kept up-to-date and filters have been replaced. He suggested to Le Peep owner Kevin Wessel that on warm days, the restaurant leave doors open to improve ventilation inside. Wessel told him the restaurant already does.
Owens signed off on Le Peep Monday afternoon. It is now one of more than 100 businesses approved for the program in Douglas County since the state signed off on it Wednesday.
The Office Bar and Kitchen, 230 3rd St., Castle Rock
The Library Co. Bar & Kitchen, 3911 Ambrosia St., Ste. 101, Castle Rock
The Whisky Lodge, 3911 Ambrosia St., Ste. 3, Castle Rock
The Gym Co Tavern, 18951 Mainstreet, Unit C, Parker
Tailgate Tavern and Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
“It really incentivizes businesses to stay in compliance,” Ludwig said.
Earlier this year in Douglas County, C&C Café made national headlines after the owners defied a statewide stay-at-home order and opened the restaurant for in-person dining on Mothers’ Day. The Tri-County Health Department ordered the restaurant to close and the state of Colorado later temporarily revoked the restaurant s license. Months later the owners permanently closed the restaurant.
Some indoor restaurants and gyms can reopen at a decreased capacity immediately after Douglas and Larimer counties were approved for the 5 Star Variance Program.
Douglas, Larimer counties get approval under state s 5 Star Variance Program Allison Sylte
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Douglas County has become the first in the Denver metro area to receive state approval for the 5 Star Variance Program, which means numerous businesses now have the go-ahead to serve patrons indoors.
The county said 18 restaurants, 14 gyms and one indoor event venue are now clear to reopen indoors immediately at 25% of their capacity.
More than 100 other businesses are currently undergoing an approval process to also reopen indoors under the program, Douglas County said. > Watch the video above for a previous 9NEWS story about DougCo s bid to join the 5-star variance program