On Jan. 1, 2019, the Colorado legislature removed a Prohibition-era law that prevented grocery stores from selling full-strength beer. Senate Bill 16-197’s largest impact is that grocery and convenience stores are now able to sell the same beer that liquor stores have been able to for the last 80 years. However, wine and liquor will still stay exclusive to liquor stores. Customers can now buy full-strength beer wherever they get their groceries. Before 2019, only 3.2 percent alcohol by weight beer was sold in these locations.

Literally overnight, the amount of beer-selling stores nearly doubled. Liquor stores are expecting a major financial blow, but craft brewers are unsure about the ramifications of the law for them.

Additionally, the locations where alcohol can be consumed has changed. Alcoholic beverages can now be consumed in most state parks.

Thanks to SB 16-197, Colorado joins nearly every other state in giving their citizens more freedom to choose the drinks that they purchase and the places where they drink them.