Colorado policymaking has seen a stark divide over how to address economic issues like education, health care and taxation. On one side, we see efforts to foster free markets that allow businesses and individuals to thrive. On the other, we see a tendency for bureaucratic micromanagement to stifle innovation and growth. This divide was evident in efforts to reform liquor laws last session.
Regulating the sale and distribution of alcohol in Colorado is necessary, but the way it is done reveals the underlying thinking of legislators. House Bill 24-1156, the Chamber of Commerce Alcohol Special Events Permit bill, embodies trust in individuals and businesses. For 15 years, the Parker Chamber of Commerce sponsored a highly popular Wine Walk event that drew thousands to Parker’s Main Street businesses, providing both a community event and economic benefit. But last year, the Colorado Department of Liquor Control informed organizers that the event did not comply with state liquor license law, causing significant economic loss to Parker’s small businesses and disappointment to residents.
In response to these concerns, HB24-1156 was introduced. The bill amended state law to create a new special event permit and update existing regulations to ensure these events can be held legally and safely. The changes addressed the concerns of the Department of Alcohol Control and helped small Main Street businesses across the state gain new customers. It’s a clear win-win for all involved and shows how smart, collaborative legislation can benefit communities and economies.
In a similar collaborative spirit, SB24-231 implemented the recommendations of the Alcoholic Beverages Advisory Group, which included representatives from every sector of Colorado’s liquor industry: brewers, restaurants, distributors and retailers. Understanding the complexities of liquor law, industry stakeholders came together to modernize the state’s liquor, beer and wine laws. Their collaborative efforts resulted in legislation that benefits both businesses and consumers, modernizing liquor laws to work for everyone.
Compare this to HB24-1373, a far-reaching bill that gives the bureaucracy far-reaching power to tell the industry how to operate. The bill would repeal several existing laws and regulations, specifically repealing Proposition 125, which was passed by a majority of voters in 2022.
HB24-1373 would micromanage and impose regulatory and financial burdens on grocery stores and small liquor retailers that planned renovations or product expansions to meet consumer needs under existing regulations. This bill proposes to repeal those regulations, thereby undermining the stability business owners rely on. Notably, none of HB24-1373’s provisions have been approved by the Liquor Advisory Group.
Our society is built on the principle of the rule of law – rules that apply to everyone and provide predictability, safety, and stability. HB24-1373 would undermine this principle, negate years of negotiation and hard work, cause chaos in the alcohol industry, have potentially serious economic impacts, and foster a culture of non-compliance.
Fortunately, HB24-1373 was voted down by a majority and did not pass. It was clear that the bill sought to favor certain special interests over the general public. Some parts of the bill, such as removing limits on the amount of alcohol that could be purchased between retailers, were beneficial. However, other parts were questioned for favoring certain interests over the will of the people. The contrast between the two approaches to regulating the alcohol industry – working with those who work in the industry versus enforcing conditions – could not be starker. This dichotomy goes beyond liquor law and reflects a broader policy debate in Colorado about how best to foster a thriving free market economy while ensuring fair and effective regulation.
The choice is clear: Colorado can either embrace a collaborative, free-market approach that empowers businesses and individuals, or succumb to bureaucratic micromanagement that stifles economic growth. The success of HB24-1156 and SB24-231 demonstrates the benefits of the former, and the failure of HB24-1373 highlights the pitfalls of the latter. Legislators must recognize that collaboration and trust in the private sector lead to better outcomes for all Coloradans.
Parker-area resident Anthony Hartsock is a Republican representing Colorado House District 44. He served in the Army for 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Castle Rock resident Lisa Frizzell is a Republican representing Colorado House of Representatives District 45. She previously served two terms as Douglas County assessor and currently serves on the Colorado General Assembly’s Property Tax Committee.
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