No liquor in Walmart after sharply divided Colorado vote

The issue wasn’t partisan, but rather the result of fear that the measure would drive off independent liquor stores.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Walmart stores won’t be selling liquor after a bill to allow the sales failed by a single vote Monday in the state Senate.

Senators voted 18–17 to defeat a bill adjusting Colorado’s liquor code a year after Colorado made its biggest alcohol change since the end of Prohibition by allowing more grocers to sell full-strength beer.

The debate wasn’t along party lines. Democrats and Republicans were both ardent supporters and opponents of the Walmart change.

Walmart helped negotiate last year’s alcohol bill, but apparently overlooked a provision making it impossible for Walmart stores to sell liquor.

This year’s measure was advertised as a “clean-up” measure. But it elicited opposition from senators who argued that Walmart would drive more independent liquor stores out of business.