The question on the lips of many Coloradans – and visitors alike – is: Can you still get alcohol to go in Colorado? The answer, like the state’s own landscape, is a bit nuanced and requires a closer look at the evolving laws surrounding alcohol sales in the Centennial State. Let’s dive into the details.
The History of To-Go Alcohol in Colorado
The story of to-go alcohol in Colorado is a relatively recent one, largely shaped by the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2020, the idea of conveniently picking up a cocktail or a six-pack with your takeout order was largely a pipe dream. Colorado’s alcohol laws were fairly restrictive, prioritizing on-premise consumption and carefully regulating off-premise sales.
The Pandemic Pivot: A Temporary Respite
As restaurants and bars across the state faced mandatory closures and severe restrictions in 2020, the Colorado legislature recognized the need for economic relief. They temporarily relaxed alcohol regulations, allowing establishments with the appropriate licenses to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption alongside food orders. This measure was intended to help businesses stay afloat during the crisis and provide consumers with a convenient way to enjoy their favorite drinks at home.
This temporary allowance proved incredibly popular. Restaurants and bars saw a much-needed boost in revenue, and customers appreciated the added convenience and flexibility. The to-go cocktail became a symbol of resilience and adaptation during a difficult time.
From Temporary to (Potentially) Permanent: The Fight for Extension
The success of the temporary to-go alcohol measure led to a concerted effort to make it permanent. Supporters argued that it provided economic benefits to businesses, met consumer demand, and didn’t lead to any significant negative consequences. Opponents, primarily representing liquor stores, raised concerns about competition and the potential for underage drinking.
The legislative battle was fierce, with passionate arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the initial temporary law was extended several times, reflecting the ongoing debate and the desire to find a sustainable solution.
The Current State of Affairs: What’s Legal Now?
So, where does Colorado stand today regarding to-go alcohol sales? The situation is more complex than a simple yes or no.
The End of the Pandemic-Era Allowance
The emergency rules allowing restaurants and bars to sell to-go alcohol expired in July 2021. This marked the end of the widespread availability of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages with takeout orders. The period of readily available to-go alcohol that many Coloradans had grown accustomed to had come to an end.
Permanent Changes and New Opportunities
While the broad pandemic-era allowance ended, some permanent changes were enacted. House Bill 1027, passed in 2021, created new opportunities for alcohol sales in Colorado. This bill allows establishments with certain licenses to deliver alcohol, including cocktails and other mixed drinks, directly to consumers’ homes.
Crucially, the delivery option is tied to specific licenses and regulations. Not every restaurant or bar can simply start offering delivery. They must obtain the appropriate permits and comply with strict rules regarding age verification and responsible alcohol service.
The Rise of Third-Party Delivery Services
The passage of House Bill 1027 has paved the way for the growth of third-party delivery services specializing in alcohol. These services partner with licensed restaurants, bars, and retailers to offer a convenient way for consumers to order alcoholic beverages online and have them delivered to their doorstep.
These services typically employ strict age verification procedures, requiring customers to present valid identification upon delivery. They also often limit the quantity of alcohol that can be ordered in a single transaction and implement measures to prevent delivery to intoxicated individuals.
Brewery and Distillery Sales: A Separate Landscape
Colorado’s breweries and distilleries operate under a different set of regulations than restaurants and bars. They have traditionally been allowed to sell their products directly to consumers for off-premise consumption, subject to certain restrictions. This includes packaged beer, spirits, and in some cases, growlers or crowlers (large cans) of draft beer.
The pandemic-era changes did provide some temporary flexibility for breweries and distilleries, but these changes have largely reverted to pre-pandemic rules. Breweries and distilleries can generally continue to sell their products to-go, but the specific rules vary depending on their license type and local regulations.
Navigating the Nuances: Understanding the Rules
Understanding the current rules surrounding to-go alcohol in Colorado requires careful attention to the specific license held by the establishment, local regulations, and the type of alcoholic beverage being sold. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:
License Types Matter
The type of alcohol license held by a business significantly impacts its ability to sell alcohol to-go or for delivery. Restaurants with a hotel and restaurant license may have different privileges than breweries with a manufacturer’s license. Similarly, liquor stores operate under a separate set of rules and are primarily focused on off-premise sales.
It is important to understand that not all licenses allow for the same level of flexibility. Businesses must operate within the bounds of their specific license to avoid violating state law.
Local Regulations: A Patchwork of Rules
In addition to state laws, local municipalities may have their own regulations regarding alcohol sales. This can create a patchwork of rules across Colorado, with different cities and counties having different restrictions. Some local jurisdictions may be more permissive than others when it comes to to-go alcohol sales and deliveries.
It is essential for businesses and consumers alike to be aware of the local regulations in their area. This information is typically available from local government websites or by contacting the city or county clerk’s office.
Age Verification: A Top Priority
Regardless of the specific rules surrounding to-go alcohol or delivery, age verification is always a top priority. Businesses are required to verify the age of any customer purchasing alcohol, whether in person or through a delivery service. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties, including fines and license suspension.
Delivery services typically employ a combination of online age verification and in-person ID checks to ensure that alcohol is not delivered to underage individuals. It is crucial for customers to have valid identification readily available when receiving an alcohol delivery.
Responsible Alcohol Service: Preventing Intoxication
Another key consideration is responsible alcohol service. Businesses are responsible for preventing the sale of alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. This applies to both on-premise and off-premise sales, including to-go orders and deliveries.
Delivery services often train their drivers to recognize signs of intoxication and to refuse delivery to customers who appear to be visibly intoxicated. This is an important measure to prevent alcohol-related harm and ensure responsible consumption.
The Future of To-Go Alcohol in Colorado
The debate over to-go alcohol in Colorado is likely to continue in the coming years. The issue is complex, with competing interests and passionate arguments on both sides.
Legislative Action: Potential Changes on the Horizon
The Colorado legislature may revisit the issue of to-go alcohol sales in future sessions. There is potential for further changes to the laws governing alcohol sales, including the possibility of expanding or restricting the current delivery options.
Any legislative action will likely be influenced by factors such as the economic impact of to-go alcohol sales, the potential for underage drinking, and the concerns of various stakeholders, including restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and consumer advocacy groups.
Consumer Demand: A Driving Force
Consumer demand will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of to-go alcohol in Colorado. The popularity of to-go cocktails and alcohol deliveries during the pandemic demonstrated a clear demand for convenient access to alcoholic beverages.
If consumer demand remains strong, it could put pressure on lawmakers to further relax alcohol regulations and provide more opportunities for to-go sales and deliveries.
Economic Considerations: Weighing the Benefits and Costs
Economic considerations will also be a key factor in the ongoing debate. Supporters of to-go alcohol sales argue that it provides a valuable source of revenue for businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. Opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on liquor stores and the overall economic consequences of increased alcohol availability.
The legislature will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits and costs of to-go alcohol sales when considering any future changes to the laws.
Conclusion: Navigating the Current Landscape
So, can you still get alcohol to go in Colorado? The answer is yes, but with caveats. The pandemic-era allowance for widespread to-go alcohol sales has ended. However, permanent changes have been made, allowing for alcohol deliveries through licensed establishments and third-party services. Breweries and distilleries also continue to offer to-go sales of their products.
Understanding the specific license types, local regulations, and age verification requirements is crucial for both businesses and consumers. The future of to-go alcohol in Colorado remains uncertain, but the debate is likely to continue as lawmakers weigh the competing interests and economic considerations. Stay informed and be sure to check local regulations for the most up-to-date information.
Can I still get cocktails to-go from my favorite restaurant in Colorado?
Yes, as of late 2024, you can generally still get cocktails to-go from restaurants and bars in Colorado, but with certain restrictions. The laws regarding alcohol to-go have evolved significantly in recent years, so it’s essential to understand the current regulations to avoid any issues. While the initial emergency allowances during the pandemic have been adjusted, the allowance for takeout alcohol has been extended.
Currently, establishments with the appropriate licenses can sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption, provided they are sold in sealed containers. This includes cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits, usually with restrictions around quantity. Always confirm with the specific establishment to understand their to-go alcohol policy as the specifics can sometimes vary.
What types of alcohol can I typically order to-go in Colorado?
Colorado’s to-go alcohol laws generally allow for the sale of a variety of alcoholic beverages. This often includes beer, wine, spirits (such as vodka, gin, or whiskey), and pre-mixed cocktails prepared by the establishment. However, the specific types and quantities available can depend on the individual establishment’s license and internal policies.
Restaurants and bars are often permitted to sell these beverages as long as they meet specific requirements. These requirements include sealing the drinks appropriately, ensuring the customer is of legal drinking age, and potentially restricting the number of drinks sold per order. It’s always best to verify what the establishment offers directly.
Are there any restrictions on the containers used for to-go alcoholic beverages?
Yes, there are specific restrictions on the containers used for to-go alcoholic beverages in Colorado. These containers must be sealed in a manner that prevents consumption without breaking the seal. This ensures that the alcoholic beverage is not consumed in public or while driving, as both are illegal.
The regulations typically require the use of tamper-evident containers that are designed to show if they have been opened. Examples include sealed pouches, bottles with unbroken seals, or containers with tightly sealed lids. Establishments are often responsible for ensuring the containers meet these requirements before selling the alcohol to customers.
Do I need to order food to get alcohol to-go in Colorado?
Often, but not always. During the pandemic emergency orders, purchasing food was frequently a requirement to order alcohol to-go. However, current regulations may or may not explicitly require a food purchase. Many establishments still maintain the policy of requiring a food purchase to help ensure responsible alcohol consumption.
While the specific rules can vary based on local ordinances or the establishment’s own policies, it is always a good idea to check if a food purchase is necessary. Some restaurants may advertise “alcohol to-go” as a package deal that includes a meal, so confirm this beforehand.
What are the hours during which I can purchase alcohol to-go in Colorado?
The hours during which you can purchase alcohol to-go in Colorado are generally aligned with the hours when alcohol can be sold for on-premise consumption. This usually means that you can purchase alcohol to-go during the legal hours that the establishment is permitted to serve alcohol, which typically includes most of the day and evening.
However, there can be specific local regulations or individual establishment policies that affect the exact hours. It is always advisable to check with the specific restaurant or bar to confirm their to-go alcohol sales hours, as they may differ slightly from general alcohol sales hours within the state.
Are there ID requirements when purchasing alcohol to-go in Colorado?
Yes, there are strict ID requirements when purchasing alcohol to-go in Colorado. You will be required to present a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport, to verify that you are of legal drinking age (21 or older). This is a standard practice to ensure compliance with state laws.
The establishment is responsible for checking your ID before selling you any alcoholic beverages, even if you look older than 21. Refusal to provide a valid ID will result in the denial of the sale. This measure helps prevent underage drinking and protects the establishment from legal liability.
Can I have alcohol delivered to my home in Colorado?
Yes, home delivery of alcohol is permitted in Colorado, subject to specific regulations and licensing requirements. Third-party delivery services and some licensed retailers and restaurants can deliver beer, wine, and spirits directly to your doorstep. However, both the business and the delivery driver must hold the proper permits and licenses to facilitate alcohol delivery legally.
When alcohol is delivered to your home, you will be required to present a valid form of identification to prove you are 21 years of age or older. The delivery driver is obligated to verify your age and may refuse delivery if you cannot provide acceptable identification or if you appear to be visibly intoxicated. Furthermore, alcohol cannot be delivered to a visibly intoxicated person, ensuring responsible consumption.