Mom-and-pop liquor stores raise concerns over upcoming alcohol ballot measures
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Friday, the Secretary of State's office announced that three initiatives concerning the licensing and sale of alcohol will be on Colorado general election ballots this November after surpassing the state requirement for signatures.
Proponents of Initiatives #96, #121, and #122 claim the measures are a win for customer convenience. The initiatives would enable grocery and convenience stores to sell wine.
Locally owned liquor stores, however, are fearful the new initiatives will be the newest hit to their businesses.
"They've already taken over beer, they want to take over wine. I'm sure they'll go for liquor next, and that will put a lot of stores out of business,” said Peggy McKinlay, owner of Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits.
Initiative #121 is the measure causing the largest stir among liquor stores in Colorado Springs. If the ballot measure is passed, grocery stores and convenience stores that are already licensed to sell beer will be allowed to sell wine too.
While liquor store owners aren't happy with the initiatives, KRDO spoke with shoppers who are more open to the idea.
"The first thing that comes to mind is, 'why not?' If I owned a wine and liquor store, I wouldn't like it, but for convenience and stuff, why not? Costco can do it. Why not the grocery stores?" said Rick Bayley, a grocery shopper at King Soopers.
Another shopper, Katie Vigliotti, said she has no issue with the initiative being passed.
"I see absolutely nothing wrong with it," said Vigliotti. "I mean, you can get everything all in one stop instead of making multiple stops. It's not like you can't just go right next door to get it too."
McKinlay insisted the ballot measures will make it hard for community liquor stores to compete with supermarkets. In turn, she believes they will lose valuable business.
"If you buy everything in a grocery store, you lose the camaraderie that you have with the people who run small businesses," said McKinlay.
