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Colorado measure would pull hard liquor and spirit sales away from grocers

Liquor stores are struggling since the passage of Proposition 125

Bill Wilson, Senior editor at Supermarket News

April 8, 2024

1 Min Read
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Just over a year after Proposition 125 became official in the state of Colorado, lawmakers are already looking to change the scope of it, reports local media affiliate KUSA.

Voters approved Proposition 125, which allows grocery and convenience stores that sell beer to also sell wine, back in November 2022, but since it took effect on March 1, 2023, independent liquor stores have been struggling.

State House Bill 1373 states only liquor stores would be able to sell hard liquor and spirits and would alter the liquor licenses of grocery stores, mostly of the large variety. The bill passed the Business Affairs and Labor Committee by a 6-5 vote on April 4.

Mat Dinsmore, president of Colorado Independent Liquor Stores United, claims at least 100 independent liquor stores have closed since Proposition 125 has been active.

Safeway, King Soopers, Costco, Walmart, Target, and Sam’s Club are among the stores that could be impacted by HB 1373.

About the Author

Bill Wilson

Senior editor at Supermarket News

Bill Wilson is the senior editor at Supermarket News, covering all things grocery and retail. He has been a journalist in the B2B industry for 25 years. He has received two Robert F. Boger awards for his work as a journalist in the infrastructure industry and has over 25 editorial awards total in his career. He graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a major in broadcast communications.

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