Proposition 124 - Increase Allowable Liquor Store Locations

Prop 124 would allow a retail liquor store license to go from a current maximum of 3 locations per licensee now to 8 locations, then 13 locations beginning in 2027, 20 locations beginning in 2032 and no limit beginning in 2037. New locations would have to be 1,500 feet away from other retail liquor stores.

Current law allows for an increase from 3 locations to 4 beginning in 2027 so this would drastically increase the number of allowed locations. Under current law, grocery stores with drugstores that have liquor licenses have no limits on the number of their locations beginning in 2037.

Recommendation: No/Against

Prop 124 would likely benefit big retail liquor stores, who can relatively easily absorb the start-up costs of a new location and can undercut competitors, especially small business owners.

Most people do not want more pawn shops and liquor stores in their neighborhood, but nearby grocery stores are welcome. (King Soopers’ long closure after the shooting was definitely felt by the neighbors.)

Website for the Yes side – Coloradans for Consumer Choice and Retail Fairness
No known website – Info on a proponents’ website appreciated.

Website for the No side – Keeping Colorado Local
https://www.keepingcoloradolocal.com/


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition 124 (Statutory)

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning increasing the number of retail liquor store licenses in which a person may hold an interest, and, in connection therewith, phasing in the increase by allowing up to 8 licenses by December 31, 2026, up to 13 licenses by December 31, 2031, up to 20 licenses by December 31, 2036, and an unlimited number of licenses on or after January 1, 2037?

YES/FOR ____
NO/AGAINST ____

Proposition 124 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2021-2022/96Final.pdf