DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 82 by Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), which would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays.
“This is an important step for us,” said Veiga. “It’s time we move ahead as a state in the interest of Colorado consumers.”
Currently, 34 states permit Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. Since 2002, 12 states have authorized Sunday liquor sales for the first time. Data compiled by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States suggest that in 2006, with 31 percent of the stores open in those new states, sales of alcoholic beverages increased an average of 4.4 percent. Projected statewide increases in the 12 states at full Sunday operation would yield an increase of 9 percent in sales.
State law has banned liquor stores from opening on Sundays since Prohibition ended in 1933.
The bill next moves to the House for consideration.
