2022 Colorado Proposition 126 Explained

Proposition 126
Alcohol Delivery Service Initiative
Yes:	1,183,059
No:	1,238,074
Total:	2,540,666
Electorate:	3,833,468
Mapcaption:	ForAgainstOther

Proposition 126 (also known as the Alcohol Delivery Service Initiative) was a citizen-initiated, statewide ballot measure that was rejected in Colorado on November 8, 2022.^[1] The measure would have allowed alcohol retailers and liquor licensed businesses to offer alcohol delivery through third-party delivery services.^[2]

Contents

The amendment appeared on the ballot as follows:^[3]

Overview

Proposition 126 would have:

• authorized grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants to sell and deliver alcohol through third-party services, such as grocery and meal delivery companies, effective March 1, 2023
• removed restrictions limiting the amount of revenue a store can make through alcohol delivery
• permanently allowed bars and restaurants to offer alcohol takeout and delivery (temporarily authorized in 2020, set to automatically repeal on July 1, 2025)^[4]

Background

Alcohol delivery has been allowed by liquor stores since 1994, by wineries since 1997, and by grocery and convenience stores since 2019. Currently, retailers are allowed to deliver alcohol using a store-owned vehicle by a store employee who is at least 21 years old.^[5]

Support

Proposition 126 is supported by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Restaurant Association, the Hispanic Restaurant Association, The Denver Post, the NAACP Rocky Mountain State Area Conference, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, the Wine in Grocery Stores Initiative, and Fair Delivery for All Small Businesses.^{[6] [7] [8]}

Opposition

Proposition 126 is opposed by the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association and Keeping Colorado Local.^[9]

Notes and References

1. News: Metzger . Hannah . Colorado's ballot certified for November election . 13 October 2022 . ColoradoPolitics.com . 14 September 2022.
2. News: Chuang . Tamara . Proposition 126: Should Colorado restaurants be allowed to sell to-go cocktails forever? . 13 October 2022 . The Colorado Sun . 11 October 2022.
3. Web site: Colorado Proposition 126, Alcohol Delivery Service Initiative (2022) . 13 October 2022 . BallotPedia.
4. Web site: 2021-2022 Initiative Filings, Agendas & Results . Colorado Secretary of State . 13 October 2022.
5. Web site: 2022 State Ballot Information Booklet . Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly . 13 October 2022.
6. News: Metzger . Hannah . Colorado Restaurant Association backs Prop 126 for third-party alcohol delivery . 13 October 2022 . ColoradoPolitics.com . 5 October 2022.
7. News: The Denver Post Editorial Board . Endorsement: Vote yes on all three alcohol questions, but esepically on Prop 124 . 31 October 2022 . The Denver Post . 24 October 2022.
8. Web site: NAACP Rocky Mountain State Area Conference Endorses Props 125 and 126 in Colorado to Support Small Businesses and Delivery Workers . Rmnaacp.org . 31 October 2022.
9. News: Coltrain . Nick . Millions spent to influence Colorado voters to change liquor laws. Here’s what’s at stake . 13 October 2022 . The Denver Post . 11 October 2022.