Colorado Mom and Pop Liquor Stores Express Concern Over Setback

It doesn't seem like too terribly long ago that the only beer that you could purchase in the state of Colorado in places like grocery stores, convenience stores, and big box stores was limited to a mere 3.2% alcohol content by volume.

Read More: What You Need to Know About Utah's Liquor Laws |

However, for what many argued as the sake of convenience, the law was changed to allow full-strength beer, and eventually wine, to be sold outside of designated liquor stores, much to the chagrin of local mom-and-pop liquor store proprietors.

Locally owned and operated liquor stores account for the vast majority of these types of establishments in the state and recent developments, or lack of developments as it were, have once again appeared to threaten the livelihood of these small businesses across the state of Colorado.

What's Going on With Liquor Store Laws in Colorado?

The recent decisions made by Colorado lawmakers don't necessarily impact the everyday business practices of mom-and-pop liquor stores in a direct way, but overall threaten the livelihood of these establishments by, in theory, giving more freedom to corporate chains which would negatively affect sales of the independent stores.

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Earlier this week, House Bill 1373, which outlines restrictions on the alcohol content of products sold by non-liquor stores was postponed indefinitely by a 3-4 vote, causing concern among numerous independent liquor stores in places like Glenwood Springs, Frisco, Silverthorne, and beyond.

According to representatives from numerous independent Colorado liquor stores, because the cost of rent and product remain unaffected while sales have been impacted greatly, the only way to maintain a business of this nature is to reduce personnel.

Check out the full story here.

[Summit Daily]