For better or worse, as Coloradans continue to become busier, many of us are seeking more expedient options to get through our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s grocery shopping services, drive-throughs, same-day delivery, or one-stop shopping, convenience is king.

This fact holds true for alcohol purchasing options as well. Colorado voters have consistently voted to expand access to more convenient shopping, which includes supporting full-strength beer and wine in grocery stores.

However, since Colorado consumers made it clear they would like to increase their access to convenient, diverse and safe alcohol purchasing options, special interests — primarily liquor stores — have maneuvered among state legislators to undermine the will of the people. In opposition to voters’ desires, lawmakers are pushing forward Senate Bill 33, legislation to prohibit any new liquor licenses for grocery and convenience stores. It’s a measure that has only one beneficiary: liquor stores.

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Why lawmakers are so committed to protecting liquor store profits is a mystery. The state certainly doesn’t provide these types of protections for other industries. We don’t tell Domino’s they can’t sell sandwiches as well as pizza because Sid’s Sandwich Shop is located down the street. We don’t tell Olive Garden they can’t open a new franchise because there’s already a family-run Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.

As consumers, it’s our choice to determine where we want to spend our money, and it’s the business’s prerogative to differentiate themselves and attract customers. Already, in order to sell alcohol under current law, grocery stores and other larger retailers must purchase not one, but two licenses from local liquor stores, costing millions of dollars.

It’s also important to note Senate Bill 33 prevents grocery and convenience stores from accessing additional liquor licenses, never mind grocery and convenience stores have a much stronger record of preventing alcohol sales to minors. The state’s own enforcement data reveals grocery and convenience stores have passed compliance checks at a clip better than 28% of retail liquor locations. This result has happened even while experiencing a higher number of checks. In fact, data shows liquor stores are 40% more likely to sell alcohol products to minors than grocery and convenience stores.

The truth is grocery stores have proven to be safer places to sell beer, wine and spirits. Why then are lawmakers supporting this liquor law backed by special interests, one that infringes on consumer choice and may even result in a less-safe selling environment?

As we all know there is a large array of liquor laws across the country — ranging from highly restrictive to ridiculous — none of which do anything to actually stem the very real substance abuse crisis in our culture. In fact, most of them have roots in prohibition or protectionism, seeking to favor one alcohol producer or vendor over another — exactly like Senate Bill 33.

As a Colorado consumer and voter, I hope lawmakers will put consumer needs ahead of special-interest profits and oppose Senate Bill 33. Consumers want access to more convenient, affordable and safe alcohol options.

Scott Forbes is a Denver-based freelance writer