CO HB1151

Expands penalty mitigation for alcohol beverage vendors who meet the definition of "responsible vendor" under Colorado law when violations occur involving employees serving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated persons.

Amends Colorado Revised Statutes 12-47-202 to require licensing authority rules to include mitigating factors when violations occur through underage compliance checks or employee violations related to sales to minors or intoxicated persons.

Modifies section 12-47-601 to mandate state and local licensing authorities consider "responsible vendor" status as a mitigating factor for vendors violating provisions prohibiting service to minors or visibly intoxicated persons.

Authorizes the state licensing authority to expand mitigation considerations to include other violations of alcohol beverage laws for vendors qualifying as responsible alcohol beverage vendors.

Takes effect August 10, 2016, unless subject to referendum petition, in which case the measure requires voter approval at the November 2016 general election and applies to violations occurring on or after the effective date.