Lawmakers Tackle Full-Strength Beer In Grocery Stores On Final Day
DENVER (CBS4)- State lawmakers tackled the issue of whether to allow more grocery stores to sell full-strength beer and wine on their final day of the 2016 Legislative Session.
The bill was passed with little opposition late Tuesday but needed a final vote on Wednesday.
Under the bill, some grocery stores will be added to the list of locations that are allowed to sell full-strength beer and wine.
The bill was a compromise designed to cut off a potential ballot measure that would have given every grocery store the opportunity to sell full-strength beer and wine.
Opponents to the proposed ballot measure said it would have devastated 1,600 liquor stores across Colorado that rely on the 3.2 beer law. Craft brewers were concerned about the opportunity to get their product on the shelves of the big box retailers.
The bill is considered a win for grocery stores but holds off on the threat many small businesses felt.
"This is a thoughtful bill, this is a well thought out bill… it's not a perfect bill but this is a much better solution, is a phased-in approach to a free market solution moving forward," said Rep. Dan Nordberg, a Republican representing Colorado Springs.
Gov. John Hickenlooper, a former craft brewer, was vocally opposed to any ballot measure that would have given all the grocery stores the ability to sell full strength beer and wine.