Colorado brewers, grocery stores fight over liquor laws

Local brewers and liquor stores are bracing for another attempt to allow Colorado grocery stores to sell wine and full-strength beer.

The debate has played out before in the Colorado Legislature, but this time it’s moving toward the 2016 ballot where voters would decide.

Craft brewers say liquor stores that promote local beers would be squeezed out by grocery stores if the law changes. But supporters of a ballot initiative argue the goal is giving customers more options to shop for alcohol.

No paperwork for the ballot question has been filed yet. But Colorado Consumers for Choice is drumming up support through Facebook and an online petition.

Colorado is among five states where gas stations, grocery stores and convenience stores are only allowed to sell beer with 3.2 percent alcohol content.