The Pueblo Chieftain Online :: Rep. Pace State Fair beer bill passes test

DENVER — The House gave preliminary cheers to a bill that would allow patrons of the Colorado State Fair to carry beer throughout the Fairgrounds.

  Offered by Rep. Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, HB1099 would lift the rules that prohibit Fairgoers from leaving the licensed liquor establishment where they bought their spirits.

  Presently, Colorado law forbids the transfer of alcohol from one liquor-license holder to another. That law would remain in place, except on the Fairgrounds, where about a dozen vendors hold liquor licenses.

  As the law stands, patrons of the Fair must consume or dump their drinks before leaving the tent or arena where they bought them. Pace's bill proposes to allow free movement throughout the Fairgrounds, drink in hand.

  He said it would reduce the burden on security that currently enforces the rule.   House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, introduced and quickly withdrew a gag amendment to the bill that called for moving the State Fair to Parker.

  Pace reminded May that "the State Fair has been in Pueblo since before (Colorado's) statehood."

  Next, the bill faces a formal vote of the full House.

via www.chieftain.com