Repeal Colorado Liquor Law For More Craft Beer
Posted on November 28, 2007
Filed Under Opinion |
The time has come to repeal the archaic “Blue” liquor laws here in Colorado. The law is outdated and hinders the distribution of craft beer. As we near election time in this state, the ritual of seeing legislation and editorials advocating the pro-and-con’s of changing this law begin to appear all over the place. In my opinion, it is a win-win proposition for small brewers in this state and they should overwhelming support the repeal of this law.
If you weren’t already aware of the law, it basically says liquor stores have to be closed on Sunday and as a result, an adult cannot purchase “real” beer, spirits or wine on that day in this state. Unless, you’re in the dozen or so states that have the same law, I can almost hear you asking yourself, “Really?” In order to consume an adult beverage in this state on Sunday, you have to either go to a restaurant or bar, or really plan your drinking habits. While the first option isn’t necessarily that bad, the second is somewhat bothersome to me. Apparently, the liquor lobby in this state thinks that by allowing the liquor stores to stay closed on Sunday, this will allow them to save money by not having the additional day of business expenses, “rest” and enjoy a day off, or allow them to follow their religious convictions. All these reasons seem illogical to a country that believes that consumption is the only economical way to go.
My argument for the repeal of the law and also allowing grocery stores to be able to sell alcoholic beverages on Sunday is that the change will only drive up sales for local, craft brewers in this state. How so? Well, it’s often difficult to find local brews in this state at your local liquor store (I’m excluding the really large craft brewers). I want to enable the smaller guys to have a chance to sell if they want to. Naturally, by having the stores open for the extra day, the tendency is that you will have that extra chance to sell some of your product. That is to assume, that the store in question, actually has your product to begin with.
Here’s where I think allowing grocery stores to sell alcohol comes into play. Let’s be honest, it’s likely that a Wal-Mart, Target, or Safeway is not going to initially carry too many local craft brews anyway. They may carry a New Belgium or Breckenridge Brewery product, but not the smaller brewer’s stuff. Even if they do, the shopper who visits a Wal-Mart isn’t the craft brewers demographic anyway. Generally, it is the highly educated and above average income individuals who purchase craft brews and we both know who shops at a Wal-Mart.
So now that grocery establishments can sell alcohol, what are the liquor stores to do? The answer is simple. Specialize. They won’t be able to compete on price. They will eventually get destroyed by the warehouses. They’ll have to find the niche that isn’t getting served by the cheap suitcases of watered-down ale and stock local product or craft brews from out of state. Mom and Pop shops might actually get to buy direct from the brewers and not have to deal with regional resellers. It won’t be easy, but it can be done.
As you can see, for craft brewers it is a win-win proposition. Repeal the law and have an extra day for your product to sell. Allow grocery stores to sell alcohol, and liquor stores have to find a way to survive by selling to our niche market. Either way, it’s good for us who enjoy craft beer. Come election time, if you see this issue on the ballot, vote “YES” for more craft beer.
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3 Responses to “Repeal Colorado Liquor Law For More Craft Beer”
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I am not sure where you are shoping in this state, but you have your info. incorrect. It is in fact the small business mom and pop stores that carry an abundance of not only small craft local breweries but wines and liquor as well. If you think for one minute that grocery store chains are going to supply and support all of the small breweries and wineries at their stores, you are incorrect. Look at states like Arizona and California, the selection within their grocery stores is extremely limited for both beer and wine. Look on the street corners and see how many liquor stores are left to supply people with smaller craft products, virtually none. Sure grocery store chains will carry products such as New Belgium, Blue Moon, Coors and Bud, but they certainly will not carry products like Avery, Bristol, Fort Collins Brewery etc. My beleif is that selection will be limited, local small business will be hurt, not just liquor stores but breweries alike. You have to be kidding yourself if you think for one minute that the grocery store will supply a wide and diverse selection of product, and by the time consumers figure that out the majority of liquor stores will be run out of business and consumer selection will be extremely limited. Why is it fair for grocery to sell booze, but liquor stores are not allowed to sell food product??? Perhaps if the playing ground were a bit more fair, there would not be such an outcry from the liquor industry. Our state has always been a supporter of small business, however the way this bill has been drawn out will turn our state into the Walmart of alcohol with limited choices for consumers.
Jessica - by the sounds of your arguement, we’re actually closer on the issue than you think. As the post suggests, I don’t think the major grocery stores are going to carry local, craft brews. In order to “survive” against the major stores, the smaller stores are going to have to come up with a niche. I think that could be the local craft brews. At a bare minimum I think a consumer should be able to purchase beer or liquor on Sundays. I don’t buy the “added expense” arguement. I’m with you that the last thing anyone wants is limited choices. I just don’t think by allowing purchases on Sundays or being able to buy in a “grocery store” is going to limit those choices. I guess deep down I just want a Trader Joe’s and changing the law is probably the only way to get it.
[...] up on a post I had back at the end of November 2007 in which I received emails and comments on, the liquor law [...]