DENVER – Supporters of a legislative effort to allow the sale of full-strength beer, wine and liquor in grocery stores are worried that the governor might veto the bill.
Standing inside the Capitol on Tuesday, the coalition called on a skeptical Gov. John Hickenlooper to sign the measure, which would gradually allow supermarkets to purchase liquor licenses over 20 years.
“There are over 1,600 small retail businesses in this state, and I firmly believe if he does not sign this bill, those small businesses will be in jeopardy,” said Rep. Angela Williams, D-Denver, a co-sponsor of the bill, referring to liquor stores across the state.
The compromise legislation passed this month in the waning days of the legislative session represents the most impressive effort yet inside the Capitol to allow the sale of full-strength alcohol in grocery stores.
Organizations normally at odds with each other came together, including smaller liquor stores, distillers, wholesalers, several craft brewers and distillers.
But King Soopers, Safeway and Albertsons continue to push forward with a ballot initiative that would allow full-strength beer and wine sales in all grocery stores. The effort could clash with the legislation.
“The Legislature had a chance to make real changes to benefit Colorado consumers and give them the choices they want and deserve: real beer and wine in grocery stores,” said Georgie Aguirre-Sacasa, campaign manger for the ballot effort. “Instead of fixing an antiquated law, the Legislature failed Colorado consumers, jamming together a last minute bill that masquerades as a compromise.”
Under the bill, grocery stores would be allowed to gradually purchase 20 licenses through 2037. After that, stores would be allowed to obtain unlimited licenses.
The bill would also draw a radius of 1,500 feet around existing liquor stores and require grocery stores to buy out liquor stores to obtain licenses within that zone.
The bill passed with widespread support in the Legislature.
Mike Rich, owner of Wagon Wheel Liquors in Durango, was among nearly 700 liquor store owners to sign a petition calling on the governor to sign the bill. Rich said he has undergone a bit of an evolution, having originally opposed any changes to current law.
“At least the new bill would give all liquor stores a window to decide their fate,” Rich said. “The ballot issue would shut down many stores almost immediately with no options. I am afraid I would be a store that would go in the first couple of years, as would many in Durango.”
Hickenlooper expressed skepticism after the bill was sent to his desk. The governor is worried that it may have been rushed through the legislative process, influenced by a “small army of lobbyists.”
“My sympathies are always to the little guys ...” Hickenlooper said. “Too often no one looks out for the little guys.
“To throw something together in five days is a little disconcerting. ... Something this complicated with such deep roots usually takes more discussion, more negotiation.”
The coalition on Tuesday was careful to point out that the bill passed in a few days, but only after several weeks of stakeholder meetings.
“We don’t have the resources. We don’t have the time. We don’t have what it takes to possibly beat those ballot issues. ...” said Jeanne McEvoy, chief executive of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association. “We decided if there’s going to be legislation, we need to be at the table. We need to craft something that serves our members well.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
