Colorado may be on its way to making to-go alcoholic drinks a permanent offering at licensed establishments. What began as a temporary measure during the pandemic could now be enshrined in law with Senate Bill 24-020. If passed, the bill would repeal the program's end date and allow retailers, including restaurants, to continue offering alcoholic drinks for delivery and to-go orders indefinitely.

The original program was initiated through an executive order from the governor in 2020 and was later extended by the legislature until July 1, 2025.

SB24-020, sponsored by Democratic lawmakers Sen. Dylan Roberts, Rep. William Lindstedt, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, seeks to remove the program's expiration date and ensure its continuity. The bill has already passed the Senate's business committee and finance committee and is now heading to the appropriations committee.

Sen. Roberts described the bill as short yet essential, as it maintains "an incredibly important revenue stream" for business owners. The program has been instrumental in helping businesses survive during the pandemic and continues to assist in their future planning, thanks to the additional revenue it provides. Furthermore, Sen. Roberts emphasized that to-go alcoholic drinks have become a familiar option for constituents in Colorado.

Advocates of the program argue that it has sufficient safeguards in place, including limitations on the amount of alcohol that can be sold in a single to-go order and strict regulations on how beverages are sealed. They also note that the program has not been shown to increase public safety risks.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Sen. Dylan Roberts

• Rep. William Lindstedt

• Rep. Rose Pugliese

According to a fiscal note, continuing the program beyond 2025 would generate an estimated $26,180 in state revenue, although the costs of implementing the program could exceed three times that amount.

As of the 2022-23 fiscal year, the program had received 1,532 applicants and 848 renewals, resulting in a total of 2,380 permit holders.

During the Finance Committee hearing, Sen. Chris Hansen raised questions about the projected revenue and expenditures associated with the program. He suggested a future amendment to ensure that the program covers its enforcement costs, such as conducting compliance checks. Sen. Hansen expressed support for the bill but emphasized the need to ensure a sound fee and cost structure.

Restaurant owners who spoke at the recent Business, Labor, and Technology Committee hearing expressed their support for the to-go alcoholic beverages program. While it may not be their primary source of revenue, they noted that it has provided a helpful boost to their income.

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The Colorado Restaurant Association also expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting the popularity of to-go alcoholic drinks among patrons and their significance as a small but important source of revenue for many businesses.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders will be closely watching to see if to-go alcoholic drinks become a permanent fixture in Colorado's dining landscape, providing ongoing support to the hospitality industry and added convenience for customers.