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Liquor-board chair Amos says LLA cannot license psychedelic treatment centers
Summary
Amos, the current chair of Aspen’s liquor board, told the council the Local Licensing Authority (LLA) does not issue state-level treatment licenses but can regulate location and operating hours; he said recent enforcement has focused on late-night operating hours, resulting in warnings and fines but no suspensions.
The Aspen City Council continued its June 2 work session with a reappointment interview for Amos, who said he has served on the liquor board for about a decade and has been chair since Bill Murphy passed. Amos told the council he enjoys working with staff and a full board as he seeks reappointment to the Local Licensing Authority.
Council members asked whether the LLA would have any role in regulating recently publicized psychedelic treatment centers. A council member asked, "will the L.L.A. be involved in any of the psychedelic treatment center regulation at all?" Staff responded, "It's a state level license," and clarified that while licensing is a state process, "your staff did come before you to be can regulate it through our zoning code as to the location and time of when those facilities operate." Amos added that the LLA’s recent enforcement work has focused on operating hours: "We have everything from warnings to fines. No suspensions yet." The exchange underscored that Aspen’s local authority is limited to zoning and operating conditions rather than issuing professional or treatment licenses.
The interview included questions about emerging trends other cities have pursued; Amos noted Denver is experimenting with designated consumption or entertainment districts. Councilmembers closed by thanking Amos for his service and saying they would consider appointments at a later work session.
