Denver officers need voters to allow them to change the identify of the town’s Division of Excise and Licenses by dropping the phrase “excise.” That’s as a result of its work doesn’t have something to do with excise taxes.
The company — which points licenses for eating places, rental housing, baby care services and marijuana retailers — can be renamed the Division of Licensing and Client Protections.
“Once we say ‘Excise and Licensing,’ it simply doesn’t resonate with the general public — no person understands what it means,” mentioned Molly Duplechian, who has been with the division since 2017. “I’ve all the time needed a reputation that’s extra reflective of what it’s that we do.”
The division plans to current the thought to the Metropolis Council’s Enterprise, Arts, Workforce, Local weather and Aviation Companies Committee on Wednesday. The committee is predicted to ahead the merchandise to the total council, which is able to then determine whether or not the query goes earlier than voters on the November poll.
Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore is co-sponsoring the invoice. Duplechian mentioned her crew has spoken with the opposite council members and hasn’t heard any considerations.
There may also be a possibility for public remark through the committee assembly.
“The Division of Excise and Licenses protects Denver shoppers and ensures companies are working ethically in our metropolis,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston mentioned in a press release. “Altering the identify to the Division of Licensing and Client Safety is an easy, but impactful modification that can assist the general public perceive and entry the important work coming from this company.”
The brand new identify received’t change any of the division’s work or funds, Duplechian mentioned. The vote would replace all references to the division all through the town constitution.
Any metropolis constitution adjustments require voter approval by a easy majority. If authorized, the brand new identify would take impact inside a number of weeks of Election Day, Nov. 4.
The licensing division has been within the metropolis’s constitution because it was created within the early 1900s. The company obtained its identify through the Prohibition period, when licensing was largely centered on regulating liquor as a “sin tax,” Duplechian mentioned.
“Now we have by no means, as a standalone division, had any oversight over excise taxes,” Duplechian mentioned.
Excise taxes, which tax particular items and companies, are managed by the Division of Finance. Town’s gross sales, use and lodging taxes are examples.
The final time the town voted on a division identify change was in 2019 when Public Works turned the Division of Transportation and Infrastructure. In 2017, the Division of Environmental Well being turned the Division of Public Well being and Setting. Each handed with margins of greater than 15 proportion factors.
Town can also be contemplating a attainable bond to put on the November poll. A query asking voters whether or not they wish to preserve or overturn the town’s ban on flavored tobacco may also seem on the poll after a coalition of Denver vape shops known as “Citizen Energy!” collected sufficient signatures for approval.
Residents could make complaints about client safety points — like issues with companies, parking tons or short-term leases — at DenverGov.org/ConsumerProtection.
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