Sunday Liquor Sales Bill Clears First Committee Hurdle

A bill that would allow Colorado liquor stores to be open on Sundays was approved by a Senate committee Wednesday afternoon, clearing its first hurdle on the path to law.

SB 82 is similar to bills that have been defeated in the legislature in prior years. This year, however, some previous opponents of Sunday liquor sales are backing the bill because they think it will strengthen independent liquor store owners' profitability if the General Assembly also enacts a separate bill that authorizes grocery stores to sell liquor.

Current law allows supermarkets to sell only 3.2 beer.

34 other states allow Sunday liquor sales.

The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SB 82 is sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, and Rep. Cheri Jahn, D-Golden.