Under Proposition 124, liquor license holders would be able to operate more Colorado storefronts than currently allowed, starting with an expansion from three allowed now to eight, and eventually ending the limit in 2037.
New stores would need to be at least 1,500 feet from existing liquor stores. Licensees would also need to comply with local regulations. The measure would not affect grocery and convenience stores that only sell beer and are already allowed to do so at an unlimited number of locations.
The proposition made the ballot through the petition process. It needs a simple majority of support from voters to pass.
The case for: Retail liquor stores face competitive disadvantage compared to grocery store chains that sell beer, wine and spirit. Grocery stores with pharmacies that are licensed to sell all alcohol types already can do so at more locations than retail liquor store chains, up to an unlimited number of locations starting in 2037.
The case against: The proposition would put small, locally owned liquor stores that don’t have capacity or desire to expand at a competitive disadvantage compared to well-resourced liquor store chains. Current law keeps neighborhood liquor stores competitive.
Ballot question: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning increasing the number of retail liquor store licenses in which a person may hold an interest, and, in connection therewith, phasing in the increase by allowing up to 8 licenses by December 31, 2026, up to 13 licenses by December 31, 2031, up to 20 licenses by December 31, 2036, and an unlimited number of licenses on or after January 1, 2037?”
