Supermarket Beer Bill Advances At Colorado Capitol

DENVER (AP) - A proposal to allow gas stations, grocery stores and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer is advancing at the state Capitol.

A House committee voted 7-6 to back the measure on Thursday. The Denver Post reported that the issue will now advance to the full House for debate for the first time.

Supermarkets and other stores have been pushing for years for the right to sell regular beer, not just 3.2 percent alcohol beer. But independent liquor stores as well as craft brewers have teamed up to stop the change.

Unionized grocery store workers testified in favor of the bill Thursday. They say they have good paying jobs and allowing supermarkets to sell full-strength beer would create more of those jobs.

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