The time is right for the people of Colorado to change the existing and antiquated laws related to the sale of beer and wine by the grocery stores that serve our neighborhoods and communities.
Current law allows for the sale of alcohol by just one grocery store location per company across Colorado. The store locations currently authorized to sell alcohol are in the Denver metro area. The other remaining Colorado grocery store sites are authorized to sell beer only on a narrowly defined and limited basis.
After more than 43 years of public safety experience, with a proven dedication to public safety, I have a well-informed perspective related to the need to change laws that narrowly regulate the sale of beer and prohibit the sale of wine in our grocery stores. The grocery stores of Colorado have always demonstrated a sustained commitment to being good neighbors and community partners, and have consistently conducted their business practices in a responsible manner. The authorization to provide wine and full-strength beer to customers will not change that dedicated, professional and responsible business focus by grocery store employees and management.
Past performance is always a significant indicator of how future responsibilities will be accomplished. The significant in-store safety protocols and technological capabilities, established for many years and consistently enhanced by Colorado’s grocery stores, have been critical to the successful accomplishment of the public-safety perspective and efforts of our grocers.
Established in-store systems prevent under-age alcohol sales and sales to those who are visibly intoxicated. The employees and management of Colorado’s grocery stores are dedicated to the safety of their customers, employees and communities.
There are currently 42 states that allow their citizens to purchase beer or wine while shopping for their groceries, a convenience that is consistently accomplished in a safe and responsible manner. There is no reason the people of Colorado should not have the same opportunities.
Coloradans will have the opportunity to have their voices heard regarding the need for reform of the antiquated laws that prohibit the expanded sale of beer and wine while shopping for their groceries through a proposed ballot initiative planned for the 2016 election.
Support the expanded sale of beer and wine in our grocery stores. As the coalition behind the campaign states, it is Your Choice Colorado.
Grayson Robinson is a former Arapahoe County sheriff.
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