What Time Can You Buy Beer In Colorado

So, there I was, wandering around Denver after a long day of exploring, when my buddy turns to me and says, "You know what would hit the spot right about now? A cold beer." I agreed, but then I realized, I had no idea what time it was. I mean, I had my phone, but it was dead. Typical, right? That's when it hit me - I had no clue what time I could actually buy that beer. I mean, I knew it was Colorado, not someplace with strict blue laws, but still, a guy needs to know these things.

Colorado's Beer O'Clock

Alright, let's get down to business. Colorado, as you might know, is a bit of a beer haven. We've got more breweries per capita than any other state. So, it's only fair that we can enjoy a cold one at reasonable hours, right? Now, I'm not talking about those early bird specials some places have. I'm talking about a normal, adult human being's understanding of reasonable.

So, what's the deal? Well, it turns out, it's not as simple as it seems. You see, Colorado has these things called local option. It's a fancy term for saying that each county gets to decide for itself what time they want to start selling booze. Now, don't go thinking this is some sort of free-for-all. There are still some rules. You can't buy beer before 8 am on any day of the week. That's right, not even on Sundays. I know, I know, it's a tough life we lead.

City by City

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Each city can also decide for themselves what time they want to start selling. So, if you're in Denver, you can buy beer from 8 am onwards. But if you're in Boulder, you'll have to wait till 11 am on Sundays. Yes, you read that right. It's like they're trying to keep us sober on our day of rest. I mean, who are they kidding? We're in Colorado, not someplace that takes its brunch that seriously.

But wait, there's more! Some cities have these things called dry counties. That's right, no booze for you. Now, don't go thinking this is some sort of punishment. It's just a part of Colorado's unique charm. I mean, it's not like we're in Kansas or something. Oh wait, we kind of are. But that's a story for another time.

Late Night Drinks

Alright, so we've covered the morning and the afternoon. What about the evening? Well, most places in Colorado will let you buy beer till 2 am. That's right, you can have your late-night drinks and still make it to work the next day. I mean, not that I'm encouraging that or anything. I'm just saying, it's an option. A late-night, cold beer kind of option.

But, and this is a big but, some cities have these things called last call. It's like they're trying to cut our night short. I mean, who are they to tell us when to stop having fun? But, I digress. If you're in a city with a last call, you'll have to wrap up your night by 2 am on weekdays and 2:30 am on weekends. I know, I know, it's a tough life we lead.

Where to buy beer when new Colorado law takes effect in 2019

Exceptions to the Rule

Now, you might be thinking, "What about those special occasions? You know, like New Year's Eve or something?" Well, hold on to your hats, folks. On New Year's Eve, some places will let you buy beer till 4 am. I know, I know, it's like they're challenging us or something. But, don't go getting any ideas. This is a special occasion we're talking about here. Not a regular thing. I mean, who do you think we are? Some sort of party animals?

But, and this is a big but, some places don't even allow late-night drinking on New Year's Eve. I know, I know, it's a tough life we lead. But, that's Colorado for you. It's all about the local option, baby. You never know what you're gonna get.

So, What's the Verdict?

Alright, so there you have it. Colorado's beer laws in a nutshell. It's a bit of a mixed bag, isn't it? I mean, you've got your early birds, your late-night partiers, and your dry counties. But, that's what makes Colorado, Colorado, right? It's all about the local option, baby. You never know what you're gonna get.

So, the next time you're wandering around Colorado, wondering what time you can buy that cold beer, just remember, it's all about the local option. And if all else fails, just ask a local. They'll know. And if they don't, well, at least you'll have a good story to tell. Cheers!