Appeals hearing wraps up on Denver 4/20 organizer’s ban

A ruling as to whether Denver’s three-year ban against the organizer of the 4/20 rally will stick or be nipped could come in the next two months.

On Wednesday, a two-day hearing wrapped up on event organizer Miguel Lopez’s appeal of the penalties imposed by the city of Denver following the marijuana-centric event on April 20. The city handed down a slew of violations against Lopez, citing trash and security concerns.

Attorneys for Lopez and the city have until Oct. 9 to submit their post-hearing briefs — providing legal and factual arguments on the case.

Following review of the hearing recordings, materials and subsequent briefs, hearing officer David Ramirez is expected to issue a ruling by Nov. 20, city officials said.

According to the city of Denver, another party could apply for a permitted event on April 20 in Civic Center Park — marijuana-related or otherwise — when the 2018 permit process begins on Nov. 1. Such an move would be dependent upon the outcome of Tuesday’s hearing and whether its outcome triggers additional litigation.