What Are the Alcohol Laws in Colorado?

Every state has its set of laws and regulations concerning liquor hours. Some allow minimal hours of operation, while others don’t allow the sale of liquor in grocery stores. If you live in or are a visitor to Colorado, familiarize yourself with liquor laws in the state to avoid facing the consequences of violating the rules.

However, if you ever face charges for violating the rules, contact experienced Colorado Springs DUI defense lawyers for legal counsel and representation. They can help you create a solid defense strategy against the charges to protect your rights.

Is Colorado a Dry State?

Colorado is not a dry state; none of its counties are dry. A dry state restricts or limits the sale or consumption of alcohol within its borders. It’s within legal limits to buy alcoholic beverages from most retail locations on any day of the week in Colorado. Experienced Colorado drug nd alcohol crime lawyers explain what you must know about liquor hours.

Legal Operating Hours for Liquor Stores in Colorado?

Colorado laws allow retail liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations to open and sell alcohol throughout the week from 8 a.m. to midnight. These are the standard hours, but businesses can set their operating hours within these time limits.

Businesses can apply for permits to sell alcohol for on-site drinking. For example, taverns, restaurants, and brewpubs can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. throughout the year.

What the Law Says About Buying Alcohol in Colorado

Before buying alcohol from legally recognized and licensed businesses, ensure you’re over 21. You also must be of this age to work in a bar or package store and 18 or over to serve alcohol in a restaurant. Your supervisor must be over 21. People under 21 may enter or remain in a licensed business that sells alcohol, but they must not buy the products.

The law prohibits people from bringing alcohol into licensed or unlicensed business premises. For example, you can’t bring alcohol into a restaurant with or without an alcohol license. If you get into trouble with the authorities for violating this rule for one reason or another, contact experienced drug and alcohol crime attorneys in Colorado Springs for legal counsel.

Where to Buy Beer in Colorado

There are several places where you can buy alcohol in Colorado:

  • Bars and restaurants: You can buy alcohol from bars and restaurants with liquor licenses every day between 7 a.m. and midnight. These locations are legally required to sell beer on draft and in bottles or cans. You can only purchase up to two six-packs of beer.
  • Gas stations: These can sell any beer of any alcohol volume percentage daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. They can sell in singles or small cases in cans or bottles.
  • Grocery stores: You can buy any beer, regardless of the alcohol content, from grocery stores daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. The stores can only sell beer in 6 packs or 12 packs in bottles or cans.
  • Package and liquor stores: These stores can sell beer, wine, or liquor from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. You can buy them in single cans or 6 and 12 packs.
  • Breweries and taprooms: Licensed breweries and taprooms are allowed to operate daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, although some close at least once a week for manufacturing, distribution, and canning purposes. You can buy packaged beer for off-premises consumption, on-premises on draft, or in cans and bottles.

What Time Do They Stop Selling Beer in Colorado?

Licensed alcohol bars in Colorado are legally required to close by 2 a.m. every day. They must provide food or snacks after 8 p.m. if they intend to sell alcohol to their patrons. The rule applies to restaurants too. A recent bill sought to extend bar operation hours, but the idea was shelved.

Licensed alcohol-selling businesses can offer delivery services. Properly licensed package stores can provide delivery services for beer or alcohol or partner with third-party service providers. Business owners should consult with experienced criminal defense lawyers in Colorado Springs if they’re found to have violated these operational regulations.

What Are Colorado’s Open Container Laws?

Having open containers outside of licensed premises or private residences in Colorado is illegal. If you’re a driver or passenger, you should not have open containers unless you store them in the vehicle’s trunk.

Consuming alcohol while a vehicle is moving is illegal and can lead to severe penalties for a Class A traffic infraction. Contact skilled drug crime attorneys in Colorado Springs to defend your rights if arrested for violating the rules.

A Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney Providing Legal Counsel on Liquor Laws

Colorado has strict alcohol laws, and the penalties for violating them can be severe. Besides, the rules can change, so you should keep up with current regulations. Skilled criminal defense attorneys in Colorado Springs can provide more legal information on alcohol sales, purchases, and consumption to help you stay safe.

If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law where alcohol is concerned, drug crime attorneys in Colorado Springs can help you in your case. Joyner Law is a criminal defense law firm that assists clients in pursuing justice. Call us at (719) 294-0566 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation.