In late March, Governor Jared Polis, acting under emergency powers, issued an executive order that temporarily suspends certain alcohol beverage statutes, allowing on-premises restaurants, bars, and breweries and others to sell, deliver, and provide alcohol for takeout to customers who are over the age of 21 and who also purchase food. In July, the Governor’s signed Senate Bill 20-213 passed by the Colorado General Assembly, which extends alcohol takeout to the end of June 2021.
Normally, under state alcohol laws, restaurants can only allow customers to “cork and carry” one open bottle of wine for off-premises consumption. This exemption only applies to wine – customers cannot leave the premises with beer or spirits/cocktails. Separately, off-premises alcohol delivery is only allowed by retail liquor stores.
Pursuant to the Governor’s orders, and Senate Bill 20-213, a wide range of Colorado food and beverage operators may now temporarily deliver and sell takeout beer, wine and spirits. Spirits include cocktails and mixed drinks. All alcohol beverages must be in sealed containers — which may include plastic cups with sealed lids.
Businesses with one of the following on-premises liquor licenses may participate: Beer and Wine, Brew Pubs, Club Licenses, Distillery Pubs, Hotel & Restaurant, Lodging and Entertainment, Tavern, or Vintners Restaurant. Further, breweries, distilleries, and others have additional options for takeout sales.
Colorado food and beverage operators who sell alcohol for carry-out and delivery must abide by key rules:
- All alcohol sales must also include food sales to the customer (both shown on the same receipt or transaction)
- Businesses may receive takeout or delivery orders via online, in-person, telephone, or third-party vendor
- Businesses must obtain any delivery customer’s name, date of birth, and delivery address
- Deliveries may only be made to the customer’s address provided at the time of order
- Delivery personnel must be (a) over the age of 21 and (b) an employee of the liquor-licensed business
- Delivery personnel must verify that any customer receiving an alcohol order is over the age of 21
What is written here is intended as general information and is not to be construed as legal advice. If legal advice is needed, you should consult an attorney.