Pop-up 'speakeasy' at Denver homeless encampment under investigation for prostitution

Homeless residents are "living it up" in Denver as vagrants reportedly made a pop-up speakeasy at a downtown encampment that features an open-air tavern and tents for prostitution.

According to police, the homeless "speakeasy" which is equipped with items including lounge chairs and umbrellas popped up on the sidewalk of 23rd and Champa streets, New York Post reports.

Authorities say they have been receiving reports that there is "an open bar, sales of alcohol, things like that," at the growing encampment, according to CBS Colorado.


Courtesy: CBS Colorado

While the homeless folks seem to be making the most out of their hard times, nearby residents are not too happy with the encampment which has taken over the sidewalk and destroyed the area with filth.

Denver Police Patrol Division Chief Aaron Sanchez said nearby residents have expressed concerns about the prostitution saying, "There have been complaints that the couches at the streetside bar and surrounding tents are being rented out" for the illegal act.

Photos taken of the encampment show dozens of liquor bottles staged on top of multiple dressers and bookcases, which resemble an open air bar. Multiple lounge chairs are staged alongside the dressers and next to the tents.


Courtesy: CBS Colorado

Police said the tents are reportedly being used for prostitution.

Meghan Shay, an executive at homeless aid group Step Denver, slammed the encampment to CBS saying that if the reports are true then this encampment selling liquor to unhoused residents will only exacerbate the problem. Shay cited a 2022 report which revealed that 60 percent of homeless deaths were caused by drugs and alcohol.