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New Union Station policy blocks public from certain areas

The new policy, as of Feb. 17, requires people to spend money at Union Station before taking advantage of the central area of the hall.

DENVER, Colorado — The group in charge of Union Station said not everyone is allowed to sit on their comfy couches anymore.

The new policy, which was put into place on Feb. 17, requires people to spend money at Union Station before taking advantage of the central area of the hall. That's the spot with all the nice lounge furniture.

Denver's Union Station is publicly owned, but it's privately leased and managed. Taxpayers also helped fund the half-billion-dollar renovation.

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The power outlets inside the building have attracted the city's homeless population. A spokesperson for Union Station said the new policy is about allowing people who've bought something to have a place to enjoy.

They denied 9NEWS' interview request but added that the rest of Union Station, outside of that lounge area, is still open to the public. 

This is the full statement from Sarah Hendricks, director of community relations and marketing:

"Denver Union Station and the Great Hall continue to remain open to the public at all times. Due to overwhelming demand from patrons of our many food and beverage outlets, we have extended our service into the central area of the Great Hall for guests to enjoy, as well as for RTD and Amtrak passengers and guests of The Crawford Hotel. As a privately leased and managed building, this extension was a collective decision made by Denver Union Station's management team. All other areas of Denver Union Station's Great Hall remain open to the public and we will continue to provide a fun, energetic and safe place for all guests to enjoy."

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