This week the CBG worked with Governor Polis and the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division (LED) to help more breweries get their beer directly to consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in yesterday’s Executive Order D 2020 011 which permits additional liquor licensees to deliver alcohol beyond those traditionally allowed to deliver alcohol until April 18, 2020.
What does this mean for independent Colorado brewers and craft beer consumers?
Many of the state’s breweries rely solely on sales directly to consumers in their taprooms and brewpubs. Thanks to Governor Polis and the Liquor Enforcement Division, breweries are now temporarily allowed to deliver beer directly to consumers, helping the small businesses survive this unprecedented time while making it easier for craft beer lovers to get their favorite breweries’ beers.
With the rapid changes in the law, the CBG recommends consumers contact their local brewery to see if they’re delivering. A list of breweries already offering beer to go is available here.
A Summary of Executive Order D 2020 011:
- Breweries with a wholesale sales room may deliver alcohol manufactured on-site in sealed containers.
- Brewpubs may deliver any alcohol from their inventory provided it is in a sealed container and provided that the sale is accompanied by the sale of food (alcohol and food must be on the same receipt).
- A sealed container is defined as any container or receptacle used for holding an alcohol beverage, which container or receptacle is corked or sealed with any stub, stopper, or cap. The CBG recommends that licensees strictly abide by this requirement. If breweries have retail clients that would like to utilize kegs they previously purchased, breweries may offer to crowler or package that product for them to deliver to consumers.
- To comply with the delivery requirements, all licensees must take the order via telephone, online, in person, or third party vendor. Name, address, and DOB of the person placing the order at the time of order must be obtained, and this information must be verified on delivery.
- Records of the sale must be retained by the licensee. All deliveries must be made by employees of the licensee. This means that no third party vendors may be used for delivery of alcohol. There is no requirement that the licensee own or lease the vehicle being used for the delivery.
We at the CBG are grateful to Governor Polis and the LED for their quick efforts, and we would also like to thank Laura Long, our fearless lobbyist, who was instrumental in getting this measure pushed forward.
