s_blt_2016a_2016-05-06t11:51:29z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/06/2016

11:51 AM -- SB 16-197



Senator Holbert discussed the afternoon's proceedings. Senator Steadman introduced Senate Bill 16-197, concerning liquor-licensed drugstores. The bill makes several changes to laws related to the licensing of liquor-licensed drugstores, retail liquor stores, and fermented malt beverage retailers licensed with the Liquor Enforcement Division within the Department of Revenue.



From January 1, 2017, through January 1, 2027, a liquor-licensed drugstore can obtain up to five additional liquor-licensed drugstore licenses. To do so, the drugstore must file a single application with the LED and the local licensing authority to transfer ownership of up to two retail liquor stores, change the location of one of the retail liquor stores, and merge and convert two retail liquor licenses into one liquor-licensed drugstore licence.



A drugstore applying to merge two retail licenses is not eligible for a temporary permit and a local licensing authority may consider the reasonable requirements of the neighborhood and hold a hearing if sufficient notice is given. The bill specifies that the local licensing fee for a transfer of ownership, change of location, and license merger and conversion may not exceed $1000 and that the transfer, merger, and conversion is only permitted if:

• the retail liquor stores and the drugstore applicant's premises are within the same local licensing authority;
• the drugstore transfers ownership of all retail liquor stores within a specified radius; and
• the drugstore's licensed premise will not be within specified distances of another licensed liquor retail store in the same local licensing authority jurisdiction.

The bill allows individuals with a financial interest in a liquor-licensed drugstore to have an interest in certain other liquor licensed entities and establishes requirements for:

• liquor-licensed drugstores related to the purchase, sale, and display of alcohol;
• licensed wholesalers related to making deliveries to and ensuring that all available alcohol offered by wholesalers can be purchased by a liquor-licensed drugstore; and
• licensed manufacturers and importers related to providing products to liquor-licensed drugstores.

Senator Steadman provided Amendment L.006 (Attachment A) to the committee.



160506 AttachA.pdf



12:20 PM -- Jim Shpall, Apple Jack Wine & Spirits, spoke about the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.



12:39 PM -- Jim Dean, Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, spoke in favor of the bill.



12:41 PM -- Scott Chase, Coloradoans for Safety, spoke in favor of the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.



12:53 PM -- Steve Durham, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), spoke in favor of the bill.



12:55 PM -- Micki Hackenberger, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers, spoke in favor of the bill.



12:56 PM -- Laura Long, Colorado Brewers Guild, spoke in favor of the bill. She responded to questions from the committee.



01:01 PM -- Steve Findley, Colorado Beer Distributors, spoke in favor of the bill.



01:03 PM -- Grier Bailey, Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketing Association, spoke in favor of the bill.



01:05 PM -- Josh Phair, WalMart, spoke in favor of the bill.



01:06 PM -- Jeanne McEvoy, Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, spoke in favor of the bill.



01:12 PM -- Ted Trimpa, Your Choice Colorado Campaign, spoke about the bill.



01:15 PM -- Patrick Maroney, Liquor Enforcement Division, Department of Revenue, responded to questions from the committee.



01:18 PM -- Kevin Bommer, Colorado Municipal League, spoke about the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.

160506 AttachB.pdf

01:35 PM



The committee took a brief recess.