Colo. lawmakers hold hearings on beer rules

By The AP
Tuesday, March 8, 2011

DENVER — Republican lawmakers are demanding to know why Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration changed rules on the sale of low-strength beer to make it easier for restaurants and liquor stores to sell those brands.

Rep. Larry Liston, a Republican from Colorado Springs, said today there was a perception of favoritism after the Department of Revenue approved emergency rules earlier this month that helped brew pubs. Director Roxy Huber said she was trying to cut red tape, as promised by Hickenlooper, a former brew pub owner, during his campaign last year.

Restaurants and liquor stores for years have sold 3.2 beer and other low-strength brews despite state law that says they can only sell stronger varieties. Under current laws, only convenience stores and groceries can sell low-strength beer.