A compromise bill to allow the gradual phasing in of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores is, at this writing, making its way through the state House. Its progress so far lends hope that it will pass on May 11, the Legislature’s last day in session this year.
That would be good. No one involved needs a costly and destructive battle this fall between competing ballot measures. A legislative compromise would be better for all. And Senate Bill 197, now in the House, seems workable.
Grocery stores have long wanted to sell full-strength beer as well as wine and liquor. Having failed to persuade the Legislature to permit that, the big chains have turned their attention to the ballot box. And, of course, the liquor industry is fighting back, including a number of Colorado craft brewers.
The grocery chains couch the issue as a question of choice, but far more is involved. The liquor industry in Colorado formed in a tightly regulated environment crafted in the aftermath of Prohibition. Rules limit where, when and to whom alcohol can be sold. They limit who can sell alcohol to retailers. And they prohibit anyone from owning more than one liquor license. To simply allow grocery chains to sell full-strength beer, wine and liquor would upend an entire industry that has developed over more than 80 years.
The compromise was crafted to address that. It would phase in grocery store sales by gradually increasing the number of liquor licenses the stores could own over 20 years. And it would require grocery stores seeking a liquor license to buy out any existing liquor stores within 1,500 feet.
It appears to be a bargain most can live with. At this writing, it faces two more votes in the House and could still die. But the bill passed the Senate 31 to 4 (with state Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, voting yes). And it passed the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee 10 to 3 on Tuesday.
The House should act on this quickly. This compromise is not perfect, but it beats an expensive, drawn out ballot battle.
