1501 RestauBar's liquor license suspended after police sting

UPDATE: Fort Collins bar surrenders liquor license after 4 employees charged

When uniformed police entered 1501 RestauBar in Fort Collins late Thursday, they triggered a mass exodus of bartenders and about 100 patrons who left drinks on the table.

The 1501 W. Elizabeth St. bar in the Campus West neighborhood was then slapped with a liquor license suspension for multiple violations chronicled by officers over the prior three months.

Earlier in the night, undercover operatives ages 17 and 18 said they had been served alcohol in addition to observing a number of other liquor code violations, according to case documents obtained by the Coloradoan.

"I believe 1501 RestauBar is actively sought out by minors because it is common knowledge that minors can consume alcoholic beverages underage in the establishment," states a notarized affidavit filed by Fort Collins police officer David Lindsay.

During various undercover stings, FCPS found 1501 RestauBar charging underage patrons a $20 cover charge and legal patrons a $5 charge. Investigation documents state that a bouncer allegedly allowed minors entry in exchange for a personal payment via Venmo, a mobile service that facilitates money transfers.

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On Dec. 8, a 1501 RestauBar employee filed a formal written complaint with FCPS claiming that a supervisor encouraged underage sales “to get revenue for the bar” and to accommodate friends in two fraternities.

Neither the bouncer nor the supervisor had been formally charged with any crime related to the sting as of Monday evening.

Fort Collins Police Services also investigated numerous alcohol-related incidents at the location on Oct. 26, Nov. 17, Nov. 22 and Nov. 30.

The establishment failed to document and complete staff training required by the Fort Collins Liquor Licensing Authority, according to case documents.

In September, Fort Collins Police responded to a call of a female bartender found in the 1501 RestauBar restroom reportedly naked and on drugs.

Two Yellow Cab taxi drivers, two Uber/Lyft drivers, a sorority president and a fraternity president had previously filed complaints about the establishment, citing underage drinking and visibly intoxicated patrons, according to case documents.

Another employee notified police of numerous unreported fights at the establishment, claiming a Dec. 2 disturbance involved about 20 patrons.

Undercover operatives gained entry to the bar with multiple fake IDs and also witnessed others being admitted without being properly identified, documents show.

According to the investigation report, bouncers also failed to use an Identifying Checking Guide, UV/black light, microscope, scanner, flashlight or any other tool commonly used with ID checks.

Despite 1501 RestauBar having a sign that states: “No persons under 21 after 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday or Saturday,” underage patrons were often admitted to the bar on those days with a black X on their hand.

Undercover investigators said they found numerous patrons washing off the X at the bathroom sink or with their own saliva. Underage patrons with X marks were also reportedly seen consuming alcohol in front of staff and security without any repercussions.

On Thursday, police contacted 11 minors who had been illegally drinking at the establishment. Eight citations were issued, but several others fled.

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Bartenders who reportedly served undercover operatives earlier in the night also allegedly fled the establishment and left the bar unattended after uniformed police officers entered.

"Based upon all police observations and the investigation that has been conducted ... 1501 RestauBar is a significant risk to the safety, welfare and health of the citizens in our community," Lindsay wrote toward the end of his affidavit.

1501 RestauBar, which opened in May, offered a number of inexpensive drink deals including 25 cent wells on Tuesdays, dollar beers on Wednesdays and 50 cent Shock Top beers on Thursdays. The bar also promoted Friday night beer pong tournaments and had a DJ on Saturday nights.

1501 RestauBar's license is suspended until a hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 20. The hearing will determine whether the bar's liquor license will be revoked.

“Unfortunate events led to a few unfortunate incidents,” said owner Mamta “Sonii” Kapoor in a prepared statement. “We will ensure such types of incidents won’t happen again in the future.”

Follow Jacob Laxen on Twitter and Instagram @jacoblaxen.