Is alcohol legal in Colorado?

Q: Is alcohol legal in Colorado?

Alcohol in Colorado is legal only under specific conditions. In Colorado, beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores (full-strength beer since 2019 and wine since March 2023), but spirits are still limited to licensed liquor stores. Under SB25-033 the state stopped issuing new grocery hard-liquor licenses in 2025; licenses already issued continue.

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COLORADO · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Conditional: In Colorado, beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores (full-strength beer since 2019 and wine since March 2023), but spirits are still limited to licensed liquor stores.

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Summary

In Colorado, beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores (full-strength beer since 2019 and wine since March 2023), but spirits are still limited to licensed liquor stores. Under SB25-033 the state stopped issuing new grocery hard-liquor licenses in 2025; licenses already issued continue.

Source: sbg.colorado.gov → · Updated July 23, 2026

Colorado Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in Colorado →Info
In Colorado the adult DUI per se limit is 0.08% blood alcohol, a DWAI charge applies from more than 0.05% up to less than 0.08%, and commercial drivers are limited to 0.04%; the limit for drivers under 21 (UDD) is 0.02%.
Open Container Law in Colorado →Restricted
In Colorado, open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway — drinking, or merely possessing an open container while seated there, is a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 42-4-1305(2)(c)).
Sunday Alcohol Sales in Colorado →Permitted
Colorado has allowed Sunday sales since 2008, and off-premises retailers — liquor stores, grocery stores and convenience stores — may sell every day from 8 a.m. to midnight.
Last Call Hours in Colorado →Info
In Colorado, last call is 2 a.m., and it is the same statewide.
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in Colorado →Permitted
In Colorado, groceries and convenience stores sell full-strength beer (since 2019) and wine (since March 2023), but the standard grocery license does not permit spirits.
Where to Buy Alcohol in Colorado →Conditional
In Colorado, beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores (full-strength beer since 2019 and wine since March 2023), but spirits are still limited to licensed liquor stores.

Other Colorado laws

Alcohol in nearby states

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