Ballot issues - Alcohol

Proposition 124 - Increase Allowable Liquor Store Locations Citizens

Proposition 124 would allow retail liquor stores to apply to state and local governments to open additional locations on a phased-in schedule, with no limit on the number of permissible locations after 2037.

A “yes” vote on Proposition 124 allows retail liquor stores to apply for and, if approved, increase the number of locations over time, with no limit on the number of locations after 2037.

A “no” vote on Proposition 124 retains current law that limits retail liquor stores to a total of three locations in the state through 2026, and a total of four locations thereafter.

Argument For Proposition 124

Blue Book Statement: “This measure brings parity to retail liquor stores that have been disadvantaged by the limited number of allowed locations. Currently, grocery store chains that are licensed to sell beer, wine, and spirits are permitted many more locations than retail liquor stores, with unlimited locations beginning in 2037. Meanwhile, retail liquor stores are limited to a total of four locations beginning in 2027. Proposition 124 addresses a long-term competitive disadvantage for retail liquor stores relative to large grocery store chains.

Argument Against Proposition 124

Blue Book Statement: “Proposition 124 creates a disadvantage for small, locally owned liquor stores that may not have the capacity or desire to expand, and instead benefits large retail liquor store chains that have more resources. Current law is designed to ensure that neighborhood liquor stores can continue to compete with other retail liquor stores. Many of these small businesses are owned by minorities and women, who may lose customers as a result of increased competition from large retail liquor store chains.”

Proposition 125 - Allow Grocery and Convenience Stores to Sell Wine

Proposition 125 would allow grocery stores and convenience stores that sell beer to also sell wine, by automatically converting beer retail licenses to beer and wine retail licenses, beginning March 2023.

A “yes” vote on Proposition 125 allows licensed grocery and convenience stores that currently sell beer to also sell wine.

A “no” vote on Proposition 125 means that licensed grocery and convenience stores may continue selling beer, but not wine

Argument For Proposition 125

Proposition 125 has been supported by third-party alcohol delivery companies, such as DoorDash, and national grocery brands, such as Target, organized under the issue committee Wine in Grocery Stores. They argue that allowing grocery and convenience stores to sell wine, in addition to beer, would significantly increase convenience for shoppers who would no longer need to visit multiple locations to buy food, beer, and wine.

Blue Book Statement: “Consumers want the convenience of buying wine with groceries. This measure builds on the existing system to allow adults to buy wine in grocery and convenience stores, just as they do now with beer and other fermented malt beverages. These stores provide a safe and well-regulated environment to ensure responsible alcohol sales.”

Argument Against Proposition 125

Local liquor shops, which lost their monopoly on retail sales of full-strength beer in 2016, claim

that eliminating their monopoly on wine sales would cause up to 1,000 liquor stores around the

state to close. They made the same argument prior to Colorado legalization of the sale of full-strength beer in grocery stores. Opponents of the initiative also claim that allowing grocery stores to sell wine would harm local wineries and favor large national brands. Some have raised concerns that allowing wine sales in local grocery stores might increase underage drinking.

Blue Book Statement: “The measure creates a disadvantage for small, locally owned liquor stores, and instead benefits large national grocery and convenience store chains. The automatic license conversion will more than double the number of stores where wine can be sold, without any community input or state or local government review.”

Proposition 126 - Third-Party Delivery of Alcohol Beverages

Proposition 126 would allow third-party companies to deliver alcohol directly to customers on behalf of grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and other liquor-licensed businesses; and, permanently allow takeout and delivery of alcohol from bars and restaurants, which is currently scheduled to repeal in 2025.

A “yes” vote on Proposition 126 allows third-party companies to deliver alcohol from grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and other liquor-licensed businesses, and makes takeout and delivery of alcohol from bars and restaurants permanently available.

A “no” vote on Proposition 126 maintains current law, which requires businesses to use their own employees to deliver alcohol. Bars and restaurants may offer takeout and delivery of alcohol until July 2025.

Argument For Proposition 126

Blue Book Statement: “The delivery of groceries and restaurant meals has become a convenience that Coloradans expect and continue to use. Allowing third-party delivery services to deliver alcohol will let many more stores and restaurants utilize delivery without having to devote the resources to meet burdensome requirements in current law. As a result, Coloradans will have more options available when supporting stores and restaurants from the comfort of home.”

Argument Against Proposition 126

Blue Book Statement: “The measure expands alcohol delivery options without the safeguards available in a physical store or restaurant that ensure alcohol is not sold to minors. Currently, retail liquor licensees make deliveries using their own trained employees and are liable for any violation. Under this measure, retailers are not liable once alcohol leaves their premises, and enforcement of third-party alcohol delivery laws is expected to be more difficult as a result.”