Full-Strength Beer On Grocery Store Shelves In 2019

ACROSS COLORADO – Beer lovers in Colorado can rejoice about the new law in 2019 that allows grocery stores and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer.

As of Tuesday, grocers were removing stock of "3.2" low-alcohol beer and replacing it with the real thing across the state.

"The pursuit of Hoppiness leads here," King Soopers advertised in local newspapers. "Real Beer Now Available in Store."

Until now, non-liquor stores have been required by the Colorado Department of Revenue to sell 3.2 percent beer, which has half-or-less “alcohol by weight” than many other beers, including Colorado's craft beers.

"It's a fabulous day," David Coors, president of A.C. Golden Brewing Company told Denver7. "Pretty remarkable if you know the history of the beer industry. Our family has been brewing beer since before Colorado was a state. And here we are now seeing another great change to legislation where consumers can find beer all around town at their local grocery stores."

So-called "low-point" beer has been around in Colorado for 85 years, since Prohibition was repealed. After the changes passed but he Colorado Legislature in 2016, the state of Utah will be the only state left that sells separate low-alcohol beer in non-liquor store locations.

Grocery stores have been quick to say that they will offer a full range of craft beers as well as the Big Brewery standards.

And if you want to purchase wine or spirits, only a few grocery stores will carry them, as the state transitions over several years to full alcohol sales in non-liquor stores.

Colorado's Coors Light and other 3.2 beer will still be available, but perhaps less easy to find.

Image: Newspaper ad for full-strength beer at King Soopers via Patch.com

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