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Senate approves bill limiting liquor-license buyouts after extended debate
Summary
On Feb. 20, 2025, the Colorado Senate passed Senate Bill 33, which restricts certain transfers and buyouts tied to liquor and drugstore licenses. Sponsors said the measure protects small independent liquor retailers after recent ballot changes; opponents called it protectionist.
The Colorado Senate passed Senate Bill 33 on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, a bill that places new limits on liquor and drugstore licenses and curtails the kind of buyouts small independent liquor stores have sometimes received from larger retailers. The final vote was 28 in favor, 5 opposed, 0 absent, 1 excused and 1 seat vacant.
Supporters and opponents framed the bill as a balance between honoring long-standing license value and protecting small businesses. "That should this bill pass, there will be no more buyouts," said Senator Liston, noting there have been "26 buyouts" over the last decade. "That's gone forever," he said, describing…
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