Colorado Sunday Beer Buying: What's The Deal?

Colorado has specific rules regarding the sale of alcohol, including where and when it can be purchased. While the state is not dry, with alcohol available for purchase seven days a week, there are certain restrictions in place. For instance, grocery and convenience stores can only sell 3.2% beer, and not between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. On the other hand, package and liquor stores are closed on Sundays but open the rest of the week from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Beer can be bought on Sundays in Colorado

Yes, beer can be bought on Sundays in Colorado. A law was passed in 2008 that made it legal for stores to sell beer, wine, and liquor on Sundays. This law overturned a 75-year-old rule that had restricted alcohol sales on Sundays.

The time that beer can be purchased in Colorado varies depending on the type of store. Beer can be bought from package and retail liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. Package and liquor stores are open from 8 am until midnight, and grocery stores and gas stations can sell beer from 8 am to midnight.

It is important to note that Colorado has specific rules and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. For example, the legal drinking age in Colorado is 21, and individuals under 21 are prohibited from purchasing alcohol. Additionally, open container laws prohibit drinking alcohol or possessing open containers in motor vehicles.

Grocery stores sell 3.2% beer only

In Colorado, grocery stores are limited to selling beer with an alcohol content of 3.2% by weight, which is equivalent to 4% by volume. This restriction on grocery stores is in place due to specific sales hours regulations. While grocery stores can sell 3.2% beer, they are not permitted to sell wine or liquor.

The sale of 3.2% beer in grocery stores is only allowed during certain hours, specifically from 8 a.m. to midnight. Additionally, grocery stores are not permitted to sell any alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Colorado have undergone changes in recent years. Previously, a law prohibited the sale of alcohol in stores on Sundays. However, this law was abolished in 2008, allowing stores to legally sell liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays.

The change in the law was driven by commercial interests, as it enabled retail liquor stores to increase their business operations and sales by being open seven days a week. Nevertheless, grocery stores are still restricted to selling only 3.2% beer and are not authorized to sell other types of alcoholic beverages.

It is important to note that the legal drinking age in Colorado is 21, and individuals below this age are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol.

Beer can be bought from gas stations

Yes, you can buy beer on a Sunday in Colorado. A law was passed in 2008 that made it legal for stores to sell beer, wine, and liquor on Sundays.

Colorado's gas stations are permitted to sell beer with any alcohol by volume percentage daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. They can sell singles or small cases in cans or bottles.

This law applies to all days of the week, so if you're looking to buy beer on a Sunday, gas stations are a great option.

Other Places to Buy Beer

Beer can also be purchased from bars and restaurants with liquor licenses every day between 7 a.m. and midnight. These locations are legally required to sell beer on draft and in bottles or cans. However, you can only purchase up to two six-packs of beer from these establishments.

Grocery stores are also an option, but they are limited to selling 3.2% beer only, and not between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Package and liquor stores are open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight and sell spirits, wine, and beer.

Age and Open Container Restrictions

It's important to note that you must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol in Colorado. Additionally, open container laws prohibit drinking or possessing open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles.

Alcohol can be bought from bars and restaurants

In addition to bars and restaurants, there are other places where alcohol can be purchased in Colorado. Retail liquor stores, also known as package stores, sell spirits, wine, and beer. They are typically open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, but some may have different operating hours within these time limits. It is worth noting that package stores are usually closed on Sundays. Grocery and convenience stores also sell alcohol, but they are limited to selling only 3.2% beer. This restriction does not apply to gas stations, which can sell full-strength beer during the same hours as retail liquor stores (8 a.m. to midnight).

It is important to be mindful of the open container laws in Colorado when purchasing alcohol from bars and restaurants. It is illegal to have open containers of alcohol outside of licensed premises or private residences. If you are in a vehicle, open containers must be stored in the trunk, and it is illegal for anyone in the vehicle to consume alcohol while the vehicle is in motion. These laws are in place to promote responsible drinking and protect public safety.

Alcohol must not be consumed in vehicles

Yes, you can buy beer on Sundays in Colorado. A law was passed in 2008 that made it legal for stores to sell liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays. This law overturned a 75-year-old rule that prohibited alcohol sales on Sundays.

Colorado has strict open container laws that prohibit the consumption of alcohol in vehicles. These laws are in place to promote public safety and reduce the risk of accidents caused by impaired driving.

The state's open container law (CRS 42-4-1305) specifically states that individuals in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public way cannot drink or possess an open container of alcohol. This means that any open containers of alcohol must be stored in the vehicle's trunk.

Violating this law is considered a Class A traffic infraction and can result in severe penalties, including a $50 fine and additional surcharges. These penalties are in addition to the consequences for driving under the influence (DUI), which can include license suspension, ignition interlock devices, mandatory alcohol education, and court-ordered rehab.

It is important to note that Colorado also has laws that restrict the sale and consumption of alcohol to those 21 and older. These laws apply to both the purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages. Understanding and complying with these laws are crucial for both residents and visitors to the state, as they are designed to promote responsible drinking and public safety.

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