Why is this proposal limited to grocery stores with a drugstore license where 51% of sales com from food?
House Bill 1279 is limited to drugstore grocers, which are defined as stores that hold a drugstore license and where at least 51% of revenue comes from food sales. This restriction is in place because grocery stores have a proven track record of safely selling alcoholic beverages. And any drugstore in Colorado requires a specific pharmaceutical license, application and registration, as well as oversight by the state. Turning a drugstore license into a liquor license will be a relatively easy process, minimizing administrative and legal needs. Other retailers have said that they are not interested in selling alcohol. Additionally, Colorado legislators in the past have rejected broader proposals, so House Bill 1279 is narrower in scope in order to address those concerns.
