Full Strength Beer Comes To Boulder Grocery Stores New Year's Day

BOULDER, CO -- Boulder's beer drinkers have something extra to celebrate on New Year's this year — as of Jan. 1, 2019, all Colorado grocery stores will be allowed to stock and sell full strength beer. The change is part of a 2016 legislative package seeking to update the liquor restrictions across the state. Previously, the only beer available at supermarkets and convenience stores was less-potent 3.2 beer — varieties that only pack 3.2 percent alcohol by weight.

The change only affects beer in particular — you'll still have to head to a licensed liquor store for wine or liquor. It will nonetheless be a big change for the state's supermarkets, large box stores, convenience stores, and gas stations — and their shoppers — when the calendar flips over tonight. Grocery stores that have an attached liquor store will be able to continue to operate in the same way.

In a city with so many craft brewers, the change is sure to generate some excitement. You won't be able to make a post-midnight beer run on New Year's Eve though, since liquor sales will still only be available from 8 a.m. to midnight. Perhaps 2019 is the year for Coloradans to put a hoppy spin on a New Year's Day brunch?

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