Keep Colorado Local

I travel a fair bit, and have always noticed how in most other states, liquor sales are dominated by the big grocery chains. Selection is limited, and prices aren't any better than in Colorado.

Belmar's Mile High Wine & Spirits personifies the local character of Colorado's beer and wine sellers: lots of variety, local craft products, knowledgeable staff.

Ballot measures this fall will likely ask voters to upend our current system and allow out of state grocery chains to sell beer, spirits, and full strength beer. While this would make it possible to buy wine and hard liquor at the same time as your groceries, any added convenience would be more than wiped out by the lowest common denominator selection that I've seen in other states.

The big grocery store chains have deep pockets and a lot of incentive to undercut our local independent liquor stores and drive them out of business. And I think there's a legitimate concern that Colorado's amazing craft beer and spirits ecosystem could dry up without outlets like Mile High that are willing to carry their products.

Fortunately, Colorado's small liquor stores are fighting back at Keep Colorado Local.