Continue Alcohol Beverage Takeout And Delivery

Colorado law authorizes certain license holders, who normally offer alcohol beverages for consumption on the licensed premises, to offer takeout and delivery of alcohol beverages, but this authorization was scheduled to repeal on July 1, 2021. The act delays the repeal until July 1, 2025; except that manufacturers who have a sales room may continue to deliver alcohol beverages only until January 2, 2022.

The act limits the times that an alcohol beverage may be sold for takeout or delivery from 7 a.m. to midnight. The amounts of alcohol beverages that may be sold for delivery or takeout are increased:

• From 750 milliliters to 1,500 milliliters of vinous liquors;
• From 72 fluid ounces to 144 fluid ounces of malt liquors, fermented malt beverages, and hard cider; and
• From 750 milliliters to one liter of spirituous liquors.

The act also creates a communal outdoor dining area program. The program allows multiple licensees to attach to the area and serve alcohol beverages to the diners in the area. A licensee may attach to the area only if the licencee's premises are within 1,000 feet of the area. The area and attachment must be approved by both the local and state licensing authorities, who may charge a fee for the approval. The following licensees may attach to an area:

• Tavern;
• Hotel and restaurant;
• Brew pub;
• Distillery pub;
• Vintner's restaurant;
• Beer and wine licensee;
• Manufacturer that operates a sales room;
• Beer wholesaler that operates a sales room;
• Limited winery;
• Lodging and entertainment facility;
• Optional premises; or
• Fermented malt beverage retailer licensed for consumption on the premises.

For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, $63,274 is appropriated for use by the liquor and tobacco enforcement division to implement the act.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)