Police in Denver, Colorado, were called to respond to an out-of-control homeless camp in the city center, numerous American media outlets reported.
• Also read: Bruno Marchand calls on ministers to be “angry” and fight against homelessness
• Also read: Quebec “doesn’t have the resources” to leave homeless people on the streets
• Also read: Homelessness occurs even in small communities
A speakeasy with chairs, umbrellas and artificial turf was built in the middle of a sidewalk at the corner of 23rd and Champa Streets.
“We heard there was an open bar, alcohol sales and things like that,” Denver Police Patrol Chief Aaron Sanchez said in an interview with CBS Colorado.
Authorities began monitoring this situation after receiving several calls from citizens complaining that the encampment was blocking the sidewalk and forcing pedestrians to walk on the street.
When the police arrived, they discovered that there were numerous empty bottles lying on the premises.
Witnesses also reported that tents near the speakeasy were being rented to prostitutes to meet customers.
Community organization Step Denver director Meghan Shay told CBS that a camp that provides alcohol to homeless people could only exacerbate the problem of homelessness.