Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bartender asks Denver council to consider rules requiring federal agents to identify themselves
Summary
Tiffany Hernandez, a bartender who runs a training program called Escuelitas, urged the council to explore local rules preventing federal agents from hiding identities during operations, citing concern for accountability and the safety of bar and restaurant staff and patrons.
Tiffany Hernandez, who said she trains bartenders through a program called Escuelitas, told the Denver City Council that bartenders are often the first line of defense in their establishments and should have clearer tools to identify federal agents conducting operations in bars and restaurants.
Hernandez described training that brings attorneys to hospitality venues and said the tactics of federal agents change frequently, leaving workers uncertain how to respond. “One thing that would be extremely useful is being able to identify these agents immediately,” she said, urging the council to consider local measures that limit agents’ ability to mask identities while on duty.
Hernandez framed the request as a safety and accountability measure for local businesses and patrons. She also expressed concern about extreme scenarios, saying bartenders worry about facing armed, masked agents without a way to determine who is entering their spaces. The speaker asked the city to act to improve accountability and to provide protections for workers.
The comment period did not include council discussion or staff response. The speaker’s request would require review of local authority and coordination with federal agencies if the council or staff chose to pursue any ordinance or policy change.
