Colorado is a state known for its craft beer culture, vibrant mountain towns, and laid-back lifestyle, but if you’ve ever tried to buy a bottle of wine or a six-pack after a certain hour, you may have bumped into the reality of Colorado liquor laws. For residents and visitors in Evergreen, understanding these rules can make stocking up for a weekend getaway or just grabbing a bottle of wine for dinner way easier.
Let’s break it down.
What Are the Liquor Laws in Colorado?
The liquor laws in Colorado are a mix of statewide regulations and local flexibility. At the state level, the Colorado Department of Revenue oversees licensing and enforcement, while individual municipalities can impose stricter rules if they choose. In general, Colorado allows for the sale of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, at licensed liquor stores and certain grocery stores.
One key change in recent years: as of 2019, full-strength beer became available in grocery and convenience stores. Before that, stores outside of licensed liquor stores were limited to selling beer with less than 3.2% ABV. Now, your corner convenience store alcohol options are much broader. However, only licensed liquor stores can sell wine and spirits, and those stores are still limited to one location per licensee. This is why most Colorado towns have many independently owned liquor stores rather than large national chains.
What Are the Trading Hours for Liquor Stores in Colorado?
What are the trading hours for liquor stores in Colorado? That’s a common question, especially for anyone making last-minute plans. In Colorado, liquor stores are allowed to operate between 8:00 a.m. and midnight, seven days a week. Yes—Sunday sales are permitted.
However, it’s up to each individual store to decide its exact hours. Some stores open a little later or close a bit earlier, especially in smaller towns or mountain communities like Evergreen. So if you’re planning to grab a bottle before heading out for a weekend camping trip or after a late dinner, it’s best to double-check store hours.
Convenience and grocery stores that are licensed to sell full-strength beer follow the same timing rules—8 a.m. to midnight—but remember, they can’t sell wine or liquor. Those are still exclusive to licensed liquor stores.
What is the Law on Buying Alcohol in Colorado?
So, what is the law on buying alcohol if you’re just trying to grab a bottle and go?
To legally buy alcohol in Colorado, you must be at least 21 years old. That includes beer, wine, and spirits. Whether you’re at a restaurant, liquor store, or grabbing a few brews at a gas station convenience store, you’ll be carded if you appear under 50 (yes, really).
If you’re wondering about the law on buying alcohol with an out-of-state ID, the answer is yes—you can use one, as long as it’s valid and government-issued. Passports and military IDs are also acceptable.
There are also limits on how alcohol can be sold and consumed. For example, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until 2 a.m., but after that, even if you’re still hanging out, drinks stop flowing.
And here’s one to note if you’re shopping with a group: it’s illegal for anyone under 21 to even touch alcohol in a store, even if they’re just helping carry a six-pack to the counter. If you’re shopping with teens or younger kids, make sure you’re the one handling all alcohol purchases directly.
What Are the Open Container Laws in Colorado?
Another big topic—especially for mountain towns where outdoor recreation and casual tailgating are common—is open container laws in Colorado.
Here’s the bottom line: open containers of alcohol are not allowed in the passenger area of a vehicle. That applies whether the car is moving or parked. The only exceptions are for vehicles like limousines or party buses with designated driver services and separate compartments.
Passengers cannot drink while someone else is driving, and you can’t just stash an open bottle in your cup holder or glove box. Even a resealed wine bottle technically counts as “open” unless it’s in the trunk or a locked glove compartment.
The same goes for walking around town—while Colorado is generally relaxed, it doesn’t allow open containers of alcohol in most public spaces, including streets and parks, unless there’s a permitted event.
Understanding Colorado liquor laws means fewer surprises and more time enjoying everything the mountains have to offer. And if you’re in Evergreen and looking for a well-stocked spot to grab Evergreen wine and liquor that Colorado residents trust, there are a few local go-tos.
Mountain Liquor & Wine on Hwy 74 and Hilltop Liquor & Wine on Evergreen Parkway are both convenient, clean, and stocked with beer, wine, spirits, snacks, and everything else you need—whether you’re prepping for a party or just picking up dinner essentials. Both stores also serve as gas stations and a grocery store in Colorado pit stops, making them perfect for locals and road-trippers alike.
Want to know more or plan ahead? Don’t hesitate to contact Evergreen Food and Gas for hours, inventory questions, or updates on what’s in stock.