DENVER - On Monday, Colorado Representative Larry Liston introduced a bill that would let convenience stores and supermarkets stock full-strength beer, the Denver Post reports. The convenience and grocery stores have been fighting for several years to sell more than 3.2 percent beer.

"It??s basically bringing Colorado into the 21st century," said Liston. "I??m doing it on behalf of the consumers of Colorado. The consumers recognize the need for a modest change for convenience and flexibility for themselves to be able to buy their full-strength beer, be it in a grocery store, convenience store or liquor store. To them, beer is beer."

Previous attempts to change this law have not even made it to the floor of the Legislature. Governor John Hickenlooper recently took action on low-strength beer regulation.

Current law prohibits retailers other than liquor stores and restaurants from selling full-strength beer. Liquor stores have fought every attempt to change that.

"You??ve got out-of-state chain stores pitching bills that will put Coloradans out of business and sell full-strength alcohol in the same places our minors buy gasoline and slushies," said Jeanne McEvoy, director of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association. "That??s a two-for-one deal Colorado can??t afford."

Two years ago, Colorado granted liquor stores the right to open on Sundays, and convenience stores and supermarkets said their game-day beer sales dropped. Another point of contention is the fact that liquor stores and restaurants also sell low-strength beer, which should be only available in grocery and convenience stores.

State Senator Betty Boyd indicated she will sponsor a bill that would let convenience stores stock full-strength beer, but not supermarkets. Her proposal also would let small liquor stores hold more than one license.

"We are excited that the legislature this year will get to consider two different pieces of legislation relating to beer sales in convenience stores," Grier Bailey, manager of government affairs for the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, told NACS Daily. "Representative Liston??s bill is about consumers, regulatory efficiency and simplicity for all of Colorado??s retailers, both on and off premise. It should appeal to Governor Hickenlooper??s stated goal of cutting red tape.

"Senator Boyd??s bill initially only concerns c-stores, liquor stores and all the on-premise retailers. Importantly though, this bill has a broad title that will allow Colorado??s legislators a chance to do something they rarely get to under our single subject rule ?" the chance to craft comprehensive and fair reform," said Bailey.