In Colorado, the regulations regarding the sale of alcohol can be a bit confusing and vary depending on the type of establishment. Let's break it down and explore the specific timings for purchasing beer in the state.
Grocery stores and gas stations in Colorado are permitted to sell full-strength beer, which typically refers to beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) above 3.2%, between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight. This means that if you're looking to grab a six-pack or some craft brews for your evening gathering, you have a wide window of time during which you can make your purchase.
Bars and restaurants, on the other hand, have different rules when it comes to selling alcohol. They are allowed to serve liquor and wine seven days a week, starting from 7 a.m. and extending until 2 a.m. the following day. This means that if you're out for an early morning brunch or a late-night dinner, you have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, throughout the day.
It's important to note that while bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until 2 a.m., they may have their own policies on when they stop serving beer specifically. Some establishments may choose to stop serving beer earlier than the allowed time, so it's always a good idea to check with the specific venue you plan to visit if you have any concerns about their closing time for beer service.
Now, let's dive a bit deeper into the reasoning behind these regulations. The limited hours for beer sales at grocery stores and gas stations can be traced back to historical regulations that were in place for many years. In the past, only 3.2% ABV beer was allowed to be sold outside of bars and restaurants. However, in 2019, Colorado changed its laws to allow the sale of full-strength beer in these locations, but maintained the time restrictions that were already in place.
As someone with a background in both wine and beer, I find these regulations interesting from a consumer perspective. The ability to purchase full-strength beer at grocery stores and gas stations is convenient, especially for those impromptu gatherings or last-minute cravings. On the other hand, the extended hours for alcohol service at bars and restaurants provide opportunities for exploration and enjoyment of a wider range of beverages.
To summarize the timings for buying beer in Colorado: grocery stores and gas stations can sell full-strength beer between 8 a.m. and midnight, while bars and restaurants can serve beer, along with other alcoholic beverages, from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. the following day. It's always a good idea to check with individual establishments for any specific policies they may have regarding beer sales, as some may have their own restrictions or variations in operating hours.