Three-Tier System

Colorado beer distributors are proud members of Colorado’s beer family, and they are the ones responsible for getting the beers you love from the producer to retail locations. 

Beer distributors are a crucial part of what is known as Colorado’s three-tier system, which keeps the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages legally separate.  This allows for a safe, orderly and competitive alcoholic beverage industry and has been in place since the end of Prohibition in 1933.  The Liquor Enforcement Division regulates and oversees the beer industry in Colorado.

Senate Bill 197 & 3.2 Beer

This year, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 197, which will be the biggest overhaul to our state’s beer and liquor laws since Prohibition ended. The new law will allow grocers and major retailers to expand their sales to 20 locations in phases over 20 years. It will also eliminate 3.2 as those licenses will convert to full strength on January 1, 2019. Review the SB 197 timeline here.