Look for more Colorado breweries to open taprooms under a bill moving toward the governor’s desk.
The state Senate approved Thursday to allow breweries to open two satellite tasting rooms to pour their beer and sell six-packs to go.
The 28-6 vote signals broad support despite opposition from bars and restaurants, who complain that the legislation allows breweries to open competing taprooms without the same cost and hurdles.
If approved, the legislation is expected to help breweries outside Denver add satellite locations in the city. , and , all northern Colorado breweries, are currently opening brewing facilities in Denver.
The legislation would allow them to open sales rooms without an attached brewery — and even allow them to sell beer at farmers’ markets and temporary events.
Under current law, only wineries and distilleries are allowed to operate sales rooms outside the manufacturing locations.
The legislation next moves to the state House for approval before going to Gov. John Hickenlooper, a former craft beer brewpub owner.
