Beer Shopping For Christmas In Colorado: What's Allowed?

In Colorado, it is illegal to buy beer in a sealed container from a liquor store, grocery store, or drug store on Christmas Day. However, alcohol can be purchased at bars and restaurants, and even ordered online for same-day delivery. This law is a remnant of the Prohibition-era blue laws, which banned the sale of alcohol on Sundays and religious holidays. While Colorado has made progress in recent years by legalizing the sale of full-strength beer in convenience and grocery stores, the Christmas Day alcohol sales ban remains in place, much to the frustration of some Denverites.

Colorado bans the sale of beer in sealed containers on Christmas Day

Colorado is one of the 24 states in the U.S. that ban the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day. While you can buy alcohol at bars and restaurants, it is illegal to purchase any kind of alcohol from establishments with "off-premise liquor licenses", such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and drug stores. This means that beer, wine, and spirits are banned from being sold in sealed containers at these places on Christmas Day.

The ban on Christmas Day alcohol sales in Colorado is a result of "blue laws", which restrict certain activities and business operations on Sundays and/or religious days. These laws originated from the end of Prohibition in 1933 and have been slow to change, with many states still upholding them today. While some states have started to allow alcohol sales on Christmas Day, Colorado continues to maintain its ban.

The ban on alcohol sales in sealed containers on Christmas Day in Colorado has caused some frustration among residents, who were unable to purchase beer or other alcoholic beverages on that day. However, the law is clear, and retailers are required to comply to avoid facing penalties.

It is important to note that the regulations on Christmas Day alcohol sales in Colorado do not apply to other days of the year. Outside of Christmas Day, Colorado allows the sale of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, at various establishments throughout the state.

Grocery stores in Colorado can sell full-strength beer

In Colorado, grocery stores can sell full-strength beer. This change came into effect on 1 January 2019, as part of an overhaul of the state's liquor code, which was approved by lawmakers in 2016. The new law eliminated the two tiers for sales, allowing all retailers licensed to sell beer to do so, regardless of alcohol content. This means that full-strength beer can be purchased at liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and big-box retailers.

Previously, grocery and convenience stores in Colorado were only permitted to sell beer that was 3.2% alcohol by weight or 4% alcohol by volume. To purchase beer with a higher alcohol content, consumers had to shop at liquor stores. With the new law in place, grocery stores in Colorado can now sell full-strength beer, which refers to any beer with an alcohol content typically between 6 and 12%.

The change in the law was driven by the demand for convenience from consumers, who wanted to be able to purchase full-strength beer from grocery and convenience stores. However, it is important to note that the sale of wine and liquor is still restricted to licensed liquor stores in Colorado.

While the new law has made it more convenient for consumers to purchase full-strength beer, it has also raised concerns among existing liquor stores about the potential impact on their business. Liquor stores in Colorado are now facing increased competition for beer sales, and some store owners worry about a possible loss in revenue. Despite these concerns, the law represents a significant shift in the state's alcohol regulations, moving away from Prohibition-era standards.

It is worth noting that, while full-strength beer is now widely available in Colorado, there are still restrictions on alcohol sales on certain holidays. Takeaway alcohol sales are banned on Christmas Day in Colorado, so consumers will need to plan their purchases accordingly during the holiday season.

Bars and restaurants in Colorado are allowed to serve alcohol on Christmas Day

In Colorado, it is illegal to sell alcohol "in a sealed container" on Christmas Day. This means that takeaway alcohol sales are banned, and you won't be able to buy beer, wine, or liquor from establishments with ""off-premise liquor licenses", such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and drug stores. However, bars and restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol on Christmas Day. So, while you can't stock up on alcohol to drink at home, you can still enjoy a drink with your meal or while socialising.

Colorado's restrictions on alcohol sales on Christmas Day are part of a group of laws known as "blue laws", which restrict certain activities and business operations on Sundays and religious days. These laws have religious justifications and originated from the end of Prohibition in 1933. While Colorado's laws may put a damper on your Christmas Day plans if you were hoping to buy alcohol to drink at home, it's important to remember that they are in place due to the historical and cultural influence of religion in the state.

It's worth noting that Colorado's laws regarding alcohol sales have evolved over time. For example, since 2016, grocery stores in Colorado have been allowed to sell full-strength wine and beer. Additionally, it is now legal to order alcohol online and have it delivered to your door on the same day. These changes demonstrate a gradual relaxation of alcohol regulations in the state, indicating that while Christmas Day restrictions may be inconvenient for some, they are not indicative of a completely prohibitive approach to alcohol in Colorado.

If you're planning to visit a bar or restaurant in Colorado on Christmas Day, it's always a good idea to call ahead and check their opening hours and licensing status. While most bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol, it's possible that some may choose to close for the holiday or operate with limited hours. Planning ahead will help ensure that you don't encounter any unexpected disruptions to your Christmas celebrations.

Colorado allows the online ordering of alcohol

Colorado has relatively relaxed alcohol laws compared to other states. Grocery stores in Colorado can sell full-strength wine and beer, and takeaway alcohol sales are banned on Christmas Day. However, it is now legal in Colorado to order alcohol online.

Third-party alcohol delivery is illegal in Colorado. However, restaurants can use their own employees for alcohol delivery, but only until July 1, 2025. This was written into law during the COVID-19 lockdowns to help local restaurants.

There are several options for online alcohol ordering in Colorado. Drizly offers same-day delivery of beer, wine, and liquor. Instacart also offers alcohol delivery or pickup in Colorado, with delivery fees starting at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35.

Colorado law authorises certain license holders to offer alcohol for consumption off the licensed premises, with the amount of alcohol that can be sold for delivery or takeout recently increased. The times that alcohol can be sold for takeout or delivery are limited to between 7 a.m. and midnight.

Colorado's alcohol sales laws are influenced by blue laws, which restrict certain activities on Sundays and religious days

The sale of alcohol in Colorado is controlled by the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division, which oversees licensing for the industry and enforces liquor control laws. All businesses dealing with alcohol in the state must be licensed, and there are several types of licenses available for manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers. The Division also investigates a range of complaints, including regulatory compliance, alcohol purchase sources, sales to intoxicated individuals, and wholesale trade practices.

In terms of specific regulations, Colorado allows the sale of alcohol every day, including Sundays, at bars, restaurants, and breweries from 7 am to 2 am. Retail liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations can sell alcohol daily from 8 am to midnight. These timings are the standard, but businesses can choose to operate within these time frames.

Colorado introduced a law in 2019 that allows grocery stores to sell full-strength beer, defined as beer with an ABV higher than 3.2%. Previously, only beer with an ABV of 3.2% or lower was permitted in grocery stores and gas stations.

While Colorado does not have any official holiday bans on alcohol sales, takeaway alcohol sales are banned on Christmas Day. However, grocery stores are permitted to sell beer and wine on Christmas.

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