WTF with 3.2 Beer?

Isa Jones

Nearly everyone in this state — even those in the know — has had that moment of stumbling upon a beloved beer, almost grabbing it, and then suddenly remembering that because you’re in a grocery store, it’s only 3.2 percent alcohol per volume, or “3.2 beer.” (If you’re new to Colorado, you read that right. The beer in most grocery stores is capped at 3.2.)

The frustrating question remains: Why?!

The answer comes down to Prohibition, or rather the repeal of it. Back in 1933, (September 26, to be exact), alcohol came back to Colorado. However, just two years later, the Colorado Liquor Code of 1935 ruined that booze-soaked dream. The code dictated that liquor stores couldn’t sell food and grocery stores couldn’t sell alcohol. Except, and that’s a big and annoying exception, “nonintoxicating” 3.2 beer.

In addition, two amazing provisions: 18 year olds (who still couldn’t buy full-strength alcohol) would now be allowed to purchase 3.2 beer, and on Sunday (usually a dry day of the week) 3.2 beer was a go.

Colorado prided itself on the fact that it just created a law that would protect the “health, peace, and morals” of its citizens while still letting the (watery) brew flow. Yeah. It didn’t make a ton of sense then and it definitely doesn’t make any today. In 1987, the drinking age rose to 21 to correspond to federal drunk driving laws, and in 2008 it became ok to sell hard liquor on the Sabbath … but! … there is still 3.2 beer sold in the grocery stores. Turns out, it has nothing to do with drinking, but involves another law that makes little sense in a city like Denver — retail liquor licenses. In Colorado, a retail liquor license is restricted to one location per company in the state. Word on the street is that the idea is anti-compete, so independent liquor stores are able to stay in business. That’s why there’s only one Trader Joe’s with a liquor store, and why you can buy wine at the Super Target in Cherry Creek but not at any Safeway you want.

Our advice? Roll your eyes at the law, warn new-comers to the state, and shop at your local liquor store.