alcohol
-
Colorado bill allowing THC beverages to be sold at grocery stores, restaurants pulled by sponsor
A Denver Democrat decided on Tuesday to pull a proposal that would have allowed beverages with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC to be sold at locations like grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. THC is the psychoactive substance in cannabis, the chemical that gives people a high. Senate Bill 164 would have established a regulatory framework for…
-
Colorado bill to fund mental health by raising alcohol taxes defeated in House committee
Colorado legislators on Wednesday narrowly rejected a second measure that would raised taxes on alcohol products in order to fund mental health care treatment in the state. Proponents said the new revenue is necessary to help pay for mental health treatment, while critics said legislators should not be targeting an industry that’s already being squeezed,…
-
Proposal to levy new fees on alcohol products in Colorado dies
The proposal to collect millions in new fees on alcohol products — dollars to be earmarked for Colorado programs aimed at addressing the behavioral and physical health effects of alcohol abuse — died on Tuesday. House Bill 1271 sought to create three separate “enterprises” and establish fees of $0.05 per gallon of beer and cider,…
-
Democrats eye new taxes on alcohol, marijuana to fund Colorado mental health spending
Facing hundreds of millions in budget shortfall, Colorado lawmakers are searching for ways to fund mental health services in a state that, advocates say, has consistently ranked among the worst in the nation for mental health outcomes. Several proposals this session aim to generate new revenue for treatment and hospital beds. The ideas — including…
-
Lawmakers propose raising excise taxes on alcohol, marijuana to fund mental health spending
Colorado lawmakers hope to refer a measure to the November ballot that would increase excise taxes on alcohol and marijuana, with the revenue going toward mental health and civil commitment facilities around the state. House Bill 1301, sponsored by Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, and Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, would impose sales tax increases of…
-
Federal judge green-lights some claims for trial in death of Montezuma County jail detainee
A federal judge on Friday ended some claims and permitted others to proceed to a jury trial over the 2021 death of a severely intoxicated man in the Montezuma County jail. Surviving family members of Kelroy Newman filed suit against the county, its elected sheriff, a deputy, the hospital where Newman was seen and his…
-
Lawmakers kill proposal for substance-free seating at Colorado events
An effort to ban alcohol and drug use in certain event seating sections met an unceremonious end on Tuesday, when it was rejected by a Senate committee. Senate Bill 171 would have required large event venues to designate 4% of seats as “substance-free seating,” where the use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and vapes is prohibited. The…
-
Advocates, opponents clash during town hall on Colorado’s alcohol ballot measures
Business owners, lawmakers and activists clashed Thursday during a town hall that delved into three ballot measures seeking to expand the sale and delivery of alcohol. The town hall – hosted by Colorado Politics, The Denver Gazette and The Colorado Springs Gazette – brought together advocates and opponents of Propositions 126, 125 and 124. Respectively, the…
-
Colorado Chamber of Commerce backs ballot measures expanding alcohol laws
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce threw its support behind three ballot initiatives on Wednesday, each seeking to expand the state’s alcohol laws. Propositions 126, 125 and 124 would, respectively, allow third-party delivery companies, such as UberEats, to deliver alcohol from restaurants, bars and liquor stores; allow grocery and convenience stores that sell beer to also…
-
State Supreme Court spikes trio of ballot initiatives seeking to loosen alcohol restrictions
Three proposed ballot initiatives seeking to allow wine sales in food stores and third-party alcohol delivery may not move forward to the statewide ballot, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Monday. The justices concluded the proposals contained more than one subject in violation of the state’s constitution. “In the case of these Initiatives, we conclude…