SB20-053 Summary

• Removes the Colorado residency requirement for retail liquor store licensees seeking one additional license on or after January 1, 2017.

• Allows retail liquor store licensees that applied for a license on or before January 1, 2016, to obtain additional licenses through a phased expansion: up to 5 total licenses by December 31, 2021; up to 8 total by December 31, 2026; up to 13 total by December 31, 2031; up to 20 total by December 31, 2036; and unlimited licenses on or after January 1, 2037.

• Requires applicants seeking additional licenses after the bill's effective date to apply for a transfer of ownership, change of location, and merger of at least 2 retail liquor store licenses located within the same local licensing authority jurisdiction into a single license.

• Prohibits self-checkout purchases of alcohol beverages and requires retail liquor stores to verify customer age through valid identification and maintain responsible alcohol beverage vendor certification.

• Establishes state and local application fees not to exceed $1,000 for transfers of ownership, location changes, and license mergers.