Wine Sells In Grocery And Convenience Stores In 2023

Colorado voters have decided to make access to wine more convenient for the people of Denver. As of March 1, 2023 you will be able to purchase wine in grocery and convenience stores.

About 80% of states already allow wine sales in grocery stores. When I first moved here from New England I thought the entire thing a tad silly to be honest. I mean, when you are getting the ingredients for a meal it seems like so much extra effort to find a liquor store to grab a bottle of Pinot.

I guess Colorado agreed that it was an inconvenience. Proposition 125 passed by about 28,200 votes, or 50.6% to 49.4%.

This measure updates the “Colorado Beer Code.” It will make it legal for any vendor licensed to sell full strength beer, to also sell wine, including grocery stores and convenience stores. That is another thing Denver does that made me scratch my head. Full-strength beers versus not. What an odd concept. We got some strange rules here, as an outsider would say.

Have no fear liquor stores, liquor is still only to be purchased at licensed liquor stores. I am sure that local liquor stores are not happy with the loss of possible profits from the wine being sold elsewhere. They have managed to have a hold on the wine market for many years.

But, of all the alcohol related measures, this was the only one to pass. Voters soundly rejected Proposition 124, which would have phased in unlimited liquor store licenses in the state. Currently, only three licenses are granted per business entity. Meaning, big liquor businesses are unable to run out the mom and pop liquor shops.

Joining the other measures was Proposition 126, which also failed. This measure would have permanently allowed takeout alcohol from restaurants. It was already a temporary allowance created during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would have also allowed third-party delivery services to become permitted for alcohol deliveries. Voters were closely divided on this. I can see why. Yes, convenient. But is access to more alcohol really a good thing? Especially delivery drivers possibly unknowingly providing alcohol to minors.

Seems like a slippery slope Denver. Well, let’s see how this all works out. Regardless how you get your beer, wine or liquor; be safe, and please, don’t drink and drive.