Denver wants to ask voters to rename Department of Excise and Licenses this November

Denver officials want voters to let them change the name of the city’s Department of Excise and Licenses by dropping the word “excise.” That’s because its work doesn’t have anything to do with excise taxes.

The agency — which issues licenses for restaurants, rental housing, child care facilities and marijuana shops — would be renamed the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protections.

“When we say ‘Excise and Licensing,’ it just doesn’t resonate with the public — nobody understands what it means,” said Molly Duplechian, who has been with the department since 2017. “I have always wanted a name that is more reflective of what it is that we do.”

The department plans to present the idea to the City Council’s Business, Arts, Workforce, Climate and Aviation Services Committee on Wednesday. The committee is expected to forward the item to the full council, which will then decide whether the question goes before voters on the November ballot.

Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore is co-sponsoring the bill. Duplechian said her team has spoken with the other council members and hasn’t heard any concerns.

There will also be an opportunity for public comment during the committee meeting.

“The Department of Excise and Licenses protects Denver consumers and ensures businesses are operating ethically in our city,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said in a statement. “Changing the name to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection is a simple, yet impactful modification that will help the public understand and access the critical work coming from this agency.”

The new name won’t change any of the department’s work or budget, Duplechian said. The vote would update all references to the department throughout the city charter.

Any city charter changes require voter approval by a simple majority. If approved, the new name would take effect within a few weeks of Election Day, Nov. 4.

The licensing department has been in the city’s charter since it was created in the early 1900s. The agency got its name during the Prohibition era, when licensing was largely focused on regulating liquor as a “sin tax,” Duplechian said.

“We have never, as a standalone department, had any oversight over excise taxes,” Duplechian said.