May 9, 2025
BULLETIN 25-02
REFERENCE: Rules regarding temporary alcohol displays in grocery/ convenience stores.
On May 30, 2025, Regulations 47-950 and 47-951 will be updated in accordance with the Division’s changes from the April 1, 2025, liquor rulemaking hearing. These rules are effective on May 30, 2025.
Senate Bill 24-048 required the Division to adopt rules to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders by July 1, 2025. Given that the Division adopted rules well before July 1, 2025, it is compliant with that law. Regulation 47-950 - the Division did extensive engagement on and was previously adopted on November 8, 2023. There were minor updates to regulation 47-950, which will become effective on May 30, 2025, and licensees should come into compliance with this regulation by then.
After listening to industry, Regulation 47-951's impact on the supply chain, the Division will allow a warning period in enforcement until July 1, 2025. The Division encourages these affected licensees to create one space for alcohol beverages to be displayed for sale in respect of the citizens of Colorado who abstain from alcohol consumption or are currently in recovery from alcohol and/or substance use disorders. The Division will allow any store that is able to have temporary displays under Regulation 47-951 the ability to have more than their allotted amount until July 1, 2025. The Division is encouraging all retailers to be compliant with this new regulation, however, any retailer found to have up to sixteen (16) temporary displays in a calendar month will receive a warning from the Division. Any retailer found to have more than sixteen (16) temporary displays will receive an administrative action. On July 1, 2025, and thereafter, any retailer found to be in violation of Regulation 47-951 as written will be subject to administrative action.
As a reminder, Liquor-Licensed Drugstores, Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine stores, and Fermented Malt Beverage On/Off Licensees are eligible for a retail warehouse storage permit by following Regulation 47-410. The Division will expedite applications for these permits to assist these licensees in remaining compliant.
If you have any questions, please contact dor_led@state.co.us.
Colorado Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division
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