Council proclaims September 2025 ‘Sober Week’ to support hospitality workers

Colorado Springs — The City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday recognizing September 2025 as “Sober Week,” a collaboration among local nonprofits, businesses and community leaders aimed at promoting alcohol-free activities and resources for hospitality workers.

Council Member Lin Weber introduced the resolution and described the initiative as an effort to create “a safety net” for restaurant and hospitality employees, a group he said faces elevated risk of substance use disorders. “This is kind of focused on all of those things,” Lin Weber said as he read the proclamation. The resolution cited an estimate used in the proclamation that about 17 percent of food-service workers face substance use disorders.

Speakers representing local nonprofits urged public participation. Sarah Potter, who identified herself as a city director of a nonprofit supporting the restaurant and hospitality industry, said the collaborating organizations are focused on creating a “safety net” and connecting workers to resources. Beth Rolstad, CEO of Homeward Pikes Peak, said the nonprofit is participating because addiction often leads to homelessness and the event’s morning activities and structure aim to promote wellness and recovery.

Homeward Pikes Peak will host an alcohol-free fundraiser called the Sober Soiree on Sept. 13; Beth Rolstad said the event is in its third year and will feature partner restaurants providing food without alcohol. Council Member Gold, who said he has been sober since January 2024, and several other council members expressed personal support for the initiative.

Outcome: The council passed the resolution recognizing September 2025 as Sober Week by a 9-0 vote.