Police in Denver, Colorado, were called to intervene at a homeless encampment that had gotten out of control in the city center, multiple US media reported.
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The speakeasy is set in the middle of a sidewalk at the corner of 23rd Street and Champa Street, with armchairs, umbrellas and artificial turf.
“We heard there was an open bar, alcohol sales and things like that,” Denver Police Chief of Patrol Aaron Sanchez told CBS Colorado in an interview.
Authorities started monitoring the situation after receiving several calls from citizens that the camp was blocking the sidewalk and forcing pedestrians to walk on the street.
When the police arrived, they found a large number of empty bottles at the site.
Witnesses also said tents were rented out near speakeasies for prostitutes to meet clients.
Megan Shay, president of Step Denver, a community organization, told CBS that the homeless camp is exacerbating the problem of homelessness.
