Coloradans for Consumer Choice (CCC) Statement on Introduction of Senate Bill 25-033

Last week, SB25-033 Prohibit New Liquor-Licensed Drug Stores was introduced (Sponsors Sen. Amabile, Roberts and Simpson), which would limit future spirits sales and take the state of Colorado backwards when the rest of the country is moving forward.

Due to these ongoing efforts to take away consumer rights, Coloradans for Consumer Choice (CCC) has formed a coalition to preserve and defend a Coloradan’s right to choice and a convenient, affordable, and diverse retail experience.

Our collective members represent hundreds of businesses that employ tens of thousands of Coloradans across the state, and it is our strong belief that these ongoing failed proposals will be extremely detrimental to our customers, employees, and businesses. 

As CCC grows our coalition, we will continue to remind legislators that SB25-033 would limit future spirits sales and take the state of Colorado backwards when the rest of the country is moving forward. NO state has ever taken away consumer’s rights after consumers and their elected representatives explicitly voted to increase their convenience when shopping. 

Moreover, this bill is a solution in search of a problem. Grocery stores and large retailers are not only giving Coloradans the convenience and choices they have asked for, they have also proven to be safe places to sell beer, wine and spirits. In fact, statistics show that our grocery and convenience stores have passed the compliance checks over 28% more often than retail liquor locations. Data on compliance checks performed by the state’s Liquor Enforcement Division shows that liquor stores were 40% more likely to sell alcohol products to minors than grocery and convenience stores. Our members have consistently demonstrated a commitment to regulatory compliance and to the health and safety of the communities they serve. 

Finally, since the passage of SB16-197 by the State Legislature, and the passage of Proposition 125 by the voters of Colorado, Colorado grocery stores, convenience stores, wholesale distributors, and alcohol product manufacturers have made major multi-million dollar investments in changing distribution routes, creating new sales displays, hiring more staff and creating more jobs, manufacturing more product, and purchasing liquor licenses—at great cost—from liquor store owners. The current system was created by the Colorado General Assembly on a bi-partisan vote and publicly agreed to by liquor store interests at the time. To upend this system now— especially just a few mere years after Coloradans voted in favor of Proposition 125 — would undermine voter sentiment and take our state backwards. 

We look forward to engaging in a productive dialogue as we lift up the voices of Colorado employees and customers who are negatively impacted by attempts to take away their consumer rights. However, we strongly urge legislators to not infringe further on the policies that have already been approved and let the market continue to serve Colorado consumers conveniently,  affordably and most importantly, safely. 

Sincerely, 

Coloradans for Consumer Choice Coalition

Ray Rivera