Please Oppose SB 181 and HB 1373!
As a Coloradan, I am writing to ask that you oppose HB 1373, which would eliminate grocery store sales of spirits in Colorado.
HB1373 takes Colorado backward and eliminates convenience I already enjoy at select grocery stores in our state. While the rest of the country is increasing consumer choice and moving forward, efforts to eliminate responsible market access in Colorado do the exact opposite.
31 states already allows spirits to be sold in grocery stores and those states have a flourishing independent retail market in addition to increased convenience for consumers.
This bill will negatively impact the economic contributions the spirits industry makes to the state including $3.5 BILLION in positive economic impact. The spirits industry creates jobs, boosts tourism and generates much-needed tax revenue.
I’m asking you not to take away the convenience I already enjoy and to support local distillers by keeping important market access channels available now and into the future.
Respectfully, please vote NO on HB 1373 which would further harm an industry trying to rebound from the pandemic amid a host of new challenges, including inflation, staff shortages and supply chain issues, and negatively impact consumers like me.
===== LETTER TO STATE SENATE =======
As a Coloradan, I am writing to ask that you oppose SB 181, which would institute a “fee” for manufacturers and wholesalers of beer, wine and spirits.
SB 181 would implement a massive fee (200% more than the current excise tax rate) on all alcohol products which will result in higher prices for responsible consumers, lost sales for local retailers AND an elimination of 2,600 Colorado jobs! And evidence shows this increase will do very little if anything to curb the consumption of Colorado’s heaviest drinkers.
Saddling responsible consumers and local businesses with massive fees that will further harm the already struggling hospitality industry without addressing the actual problem makes no sense.
This bill will severely hamper the significant economic contributions the spirits industry makes to the state including $3.5 BILLION in positive economic impact. In fact, this bill will result in the loss of $220 million in retail sales as consumers switch to cheaper products.
It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of Coloradans who choose to drink do so responsibly, and these consumers, like me, should not be forced to pay more to enjoy our favorite cocktails especially when the research shows higher prices do not dissuade alcohol abusers.
Respectfully, please vote NO on SB 181 which would further harm a hospitality industry trying to rebound from the pandemic amid a host of new challenges, including inflation, staff shortages and supply chain issues, and negatively impact consumers like me.