Position Papers
In This Section
Author: Elizabeth Haskell
March 12, 2025
WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?
Senate Bill 25-132 allows distilleries to purchase alcohol from wholesalers and open as many as five bars without adhering to the local licensing process required of taverns and bars.
YOUR OPPOSITION IS RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED
Upholding the local licensing process is essential for maintaining balanced, safe, and community-aligned development.
BACKGROUND
Distilleries are a type of manufacturer licensed solely by the state Liquor Enforcement Division (LED). Distilleries are permitted to operate one sales room contiguous to their distillery and one additional off-site sales room that sell their spirits as cocktails, flights, and drams (1.5 oz.) for on-premise consumption. Sales rooms are governed by the same laws as bars regarding hours of operation and the presence of music or other entertainment. The law does not require smaller pours for these establishments.
WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE NO
Under SB25-132, distillers, unlike any other manufacturer, will be able to purchase alcohol wholesale and effectively operate a bar without obtaining a local liquor license as is required of all other taverns and bars. The local liquor licensing process includes community input, ensuring that the desires and concerns of residents are heard and addressed. This process fosters a sense of community involvement and ensures that new establishments are appropriate for the local jurisdiction. Local liquor licensing requirements also often include minimum distances from schools, information regarding financial interests, documentation governing occupancy, and more. Allowing distilleries to open bars without meaningful local review could result in poorly planned locations that disrupt residential areas and other sensitive zones. SB25-132:
• Undermines the regulatory framework that municipalities rely on to maintain community standards and safety.
• Bypasses local liquor licensing processes and strips communities of their ability to manage the density of alcohol-serving establishments, potentially leading to oversaturation and associated social issues.
Contact: Elizabeth Haskell | CML legislative and policy advocate | 303-995-6467 | ehaskell@cml.org
Senate Bill 25-132 allows distilleries to purchase alcohol from wholesalers and open as many as five bars without adhering to the local licensing process required of taverns and bars.
YOUR OPPOSITION IS RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED
Upholding the local licensing process is essential for maintaining balanced, safe, and community-aligned development.
BACKGROUND
Distilleries are a type of manufacturer licensed solely by the state Liquor Enforcement Division (LED). Distilleries are permitted to operate one sales room contiguous to their distillery and one additional off-site sales room that sell their spirits as cocktails, flights, and drams (1.5 oz.) for on-premise consumption. Sales rooms are governed by the same laws as bars regarding hours of operation and the presence of music or other entertainment. The law does not require smaller pours for these establishments.
WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE NO
Under SB25-132, distillers, unlike any other manufacturer, will be able to purchase alcohol wholesale and effectively operate a bar without obtaining a local liquor license as is required of all other taverns and bars. The local liquor licensing process includes community input, ensuring that the desires and concerns of residents are heard and addressed. This process fosters a sense of community involvement and ensures that new establishments are appropriate for the local jurisdiction. Local liquor licensing requirements also often include minimum distances from schools, information regarding financial interests, documentation governing occupancy, and more. Allowing distilleries to open bars without meaningful local review could result in poorly planned locations that disrupt residential areas and other sensitive zones. SB25-132:
• Undermines the regulatory framework that municipalities rely on to maintain community standards and safety.
• Bypasses local liquor licensing processes and strips communities of their ability to manage the density of alcohol-serving establishments, potentially leading to oversaturation and associated social issues.
Contact: Elizabeth Haskell | CML legislative and policy advocate | 303-995-6467 | ehaskell@cml.org
Additional Resources
Downloadable Position Paper for SB25-132