h_lg_2017a_2017-02-08t13:32:24z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/08/2017

Location: HCR 0107

02:46 PM -- HB17-1123



Representatives Lebsock and Thurlow, co-sponsors of the bill, explained that current law prohibits a person licensed to sell alcohol beverages for on-premises consumption from serving alcohol beverages between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. The bill allows a local government to extend the hours during which alcohol beverages may be sold for on-premises consumption at establishments within the local government's jurisdiction. The representatives answered questions from the committee. Discussion ensued regarding local control; the relationship of bar closing times and DUI rates; and law enforcement work load during peak bar times.



02:59 PM -- Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the measure. Mr. Bergman explained that CCI is in favor of local control and answered questions from the committee.



03:02 PM -- Chuck Line, representing the city of Glendale, spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Line discussed the benefits of the bill's flexibility. He answered questions from the committee about staggering law enforcement resources and experiences in Glendale.



03:14 PM -- Steven Alix and Mark Berzins, representing the Tavern League of Colorado, spoke in favor of the bill. They answered questions from the committee and explained the benefits of staggered closing times in relation to finding safe rides home.



03:24 PM -- Fran Lanzer, representing Mothers Against Drunk Driving, spoke in opposition to the bill and distributed a hand-out (Attachment E). The hand-out highlighted research supporting his position that later alcohol sales increases DUI offenses, assaults, injuries, and other related harms. He answered questions from the committee.



17HouseLocal0208AttachE.pdf



03:47 PM -- Nick Hoover, representing the Colorado Restaurant Association, spoke in opposition to the bill.



03:49 PM -- Lois Rice, representing the Colorado Gaming Association, spoke in favor of the bill. Ms. Rice spoke specifically to traffic issues in Blackhawk at closing time..



03:53 PM -- Andrew Struttmann, representing the Colorado Bar Owner's Association, spoke in favor of the measure. Mr. Struttmann explained that the bill levels the playing field with entertainment districts.



03:55 PM -- Kevin Bommer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Bommer expressed his support for local control and explained how the bill aligns with current liquor codes.





04:16 PM



Representatives Lebsock and Thurlow gave closing remarks. Committee members thanked the bill's sponsors and gave reasons for their respective votes.

04:27 PM



The meeting adjourned.