Proposition 125 - Allow Grocery and Convenience Stores to Sell Wine

Prop 125 would automatically convert beer retail licenses to beer and wine retail licenses beginning March 2023. Previously in 2016 the state legislature changed the law to automatically convert the 3.2 beer licenses of grocery and convenience stores to full-strength beer licenses.

Recommendation: leaning yes/leaning for

If someone isn’t picky about their wine or beer, they could save a car trip by buying their alcohol at a grocery store instead of at a retail liquor store. Retail liquor stores would still cater to people who have more discriminating tastes or who want more than beer or wine.

The hope is that a grocery or convenience store doesn’t turn into a beer and wine store with a few groceries but, because this is a statutory change, the Colorado legislature could tackle that problem if it arises.

Website for the Yes side – Wine in Grocery Stores
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 125 (Statutory)

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the expansion of retail sale of alcohol beverages, and, in connection therewith, establishing a new fermented malt beverage and wine retailer license for off-site consumption to allow grocery stores, convenience stores, and other business establishments licensed to sell fermented malt beverages, such as beer, for off-site consumption to also sell wine; automatically converting such a fermented malt beverage retailer license to the new license; and allowing fermented malt beverage and wine retailer licensees to conduct tastings if approved by the local licensing authority?

YES/FOR ____
NO/AGAINST ____

Proposition 125 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2021-2022/121Final.pdf