11/10/2022
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped support Colorado local businesses. Propositions #124 & 126 have been defeated!!
Votes for proposition #125 (wine in grocery stores) are still being tallied and it’s too close to call at this time, but everyone remains hopeful. The votes against currently hold a very slim lead.
Here are some excerpts from the press release that was sent out on Tuesday night…
DENVER—A true David vs Goliath story happened in Colorado on election night. After spending a combined total of over $32 million dollars, the proponents of measures #124 and 126 came up short, with voters soundly rejecting their attempted corporate cash grabs. Keeping Colorado Local, a coalition of over 1,650 liquor stores, mounted an opposition campaign that spent $680,000.
Voters clearly have doubts about whether giant out-of-state corporations would support Colorado’s craft beverage industry like our current independent local liquor stores do.
“Colorado voters spoke loud and clear that they prefer locally owned stores who provide better service than out-of-state corporate interests who want to have absolute control over the Colorado market,” said Carolyn Joy, owner of Joy Wine and Spirits. “Over 1,650 locally owned stores joined together to stand up against corporations. Our message of supporting local Colorado businesses resonated more with voters.”
“We are thrilled at the decision of voters,” said Josh Robinson, co-owner of Argonaut Wine and Liquor. “The out-of-state, billion-dollar corporations funding these ballot measures—including DoorDash, Kroger, Safeway and Instacart —had no interest in Colorado’s small businesses, the local economy or the long-term consequences to local communities. Colorado made a good decision today.”
