Join Colorado’s ONLY statewide association representing and
advocating on behalf of independent, family-owned, local liquor stores.
About
Colorado Independent Liquor Stores
CILS is the ONLY statewide association representing and advocating on behalf of Colorado’s independent, family-owned local liquor stores and the small businesses and industry it supports before the Liquor Enforcement Division, Colorado General Assembly, Office of the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer.
Members rely on our experience and expertise to:
- Provide the very best in legislative advocacy - ensuring a voice for the independent liquor stores on public policy that impact their business and day to day operations.
- Have a constant pulse on regulatory issues - ensuring liquor store owners' concerns, ideas, and application challenges/opportunities around regulatory proposals, implementation and guidance are front and center. As well as helping members navigate the regulatory complexities.
- Maintain a robust Associate Member program - providing direct access to vendors whose services support liquor store operations.
- Present Friends of The CILS - creating opportunities for distributors, producers and manufacturers to reach independent liquor stores with news, product information, event announcements and sales opportunities.
Core Principles
Colorado is recognized throughout the nation as having one of the very best retail alcohol marketplaces in the country and is home to over 1,500 independent “Mom and Pop” retail liquor stores - many of which are owned by minorities and women. The vibrant craft beverage industry in Colorado exists because of the opportunity that independent stores provide to get product to consumers.
The responsible sale of alcohol as a controlled substance is critical to public safety and community protection. The laws and regulations in place to support this have effectively served Coloradans for over 80 years. However, large out-of-state corporations have spent millions of dollars to move Colorado away from this solid foundation for their own profit and greed, at the expense of public safety and Colorado’s family-owned local businesses. Using unfair trading practices and predatory practices, these chains are trying to destroy Colorado's e independent liquor stores and vibrant beverage marketplace.
The following core principles are of critical importance to CILS members and will provide the foundation upon which decisions on proposed legislation and policy will be made:
Protection of Independent Alcohol Marketplace
Our Main Street Colorado
Colorado’s independent alcohol marketplace is made up of family-owned, independent local retailers from our communities’ main streets. It has been tragic to see what a shift the marketplace has taken in favor of chain retailers at the expense of Colorado’s local, family-owned stores and public safety. Independent liquor retailers are the cornerstone of Colorado's vibrant, small, independent beverage industry and the producers, manufacturers, suppliers, importers, distributors, growers and farmers, small local businesses and tourism they support. The consequential effect of the loss of the independent liquor stores will have an enormous economic impact on jobs and revenue in Colorado. We are members of our communities that truly care about public safety and the responsibility that comes with selling a controlled substance. The CILS is working hard to keep independent liquor store from going by the way of the local butcher, deli, florist, stationary store and pharmacy.
Preservation of the Three-Tier System
Consumer Safety
Alcohol is regulated on the federal, state, and local level through the current three-tier system - which separates suppliers/manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. These three legs are the foundation upon which consumer safety and a healthy marketplace are based. It is impossible to deregulate any one level of this careful balance without upsetting the entire system. Preventing chain monopolies from unduly influencing suppliers/manufacturers, maintaining a robust and safe alcohol marketplace with local control, and preventing counterfeit alcohol from entering the supply chain are just a few reasons why the three-tier system is critical. It is important that future policy not conflict with or further erode this structure.
Benefits of Membership
Membership Levels
Small - Under $1 million in annual sales
Medium - $1 to $5 million in annual sales
Large - $5 to $10 million in annual sales
Extra Large - $10 million plus in annual sales or multiple stores
We realize that in the current market situation, you may be limited on what you can pay....we understand!
Pay at the level that you feel comfortable with or make a donation for a trial membership.
We need your help and participation to protect our livelihoods!
Timely Communication
It is critical that members always have timely information and updates on issues impacting their business - pending legislation and regulations; regulatory updates and guidance, and other business
related actions.
Monitor Laws Effecting Your Business
As a liquor-licensed retailer, the number one asset is their liquor license. CILS can help navigate and stay on top of the ever changing laws, rules and regulations. CILS provides direct access for answers and information on issues impacting members' businesses.
Preferred Vendors and Friends of the CILS
CILS's preferred business partners help members save time and money on products and services vital to the operation of their business.
CILS Friends are manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers that work with independent retailers to bring unique, exceptional, locally produced and small production products to consumers.
Responsible Vendor Training
Colorado requires alcohol servers and sellers to complete a Responsible Vendor Program (RVP). The RVP is a training program that educates individuals on how to responsibly serve and sell alcohol. The goal of the program is to reduce alcohol related incidents, such as drunk driving and underage drinking. CILS offers a state approved program with currently limited availability. We are expanding the program so that we may offer more classes throughout the state in person or through live streaming.
Meet the CILSU Team
Mat Dinsmore - President
Wilbur's Total Beverage, Fort Collins
Omar Malik - Vice President
Grape Leaf Wine & Spirits, Denver
Bruce Gallagher - Treasurer
Bonnie Brae Liquor, Denver
Chris Carran - Interim Executive Director
Locals Liquors, Silverthorne
CILS Directors
Josh Robinson
Argonaut Wine & Liquor, Denver
Jackie Seybold
Big Bear Wine & Liquor, Pueblo
Adam Krier
Bevy's Liquor World, Denver
Bruce Dierking
Hazel's Beverage World, Boulder
Carolyn Joy
Joy Wine & Spirits, Denver
Marshall Gray
Christie's Liquor, Dinosaur
Paul Phillips
Antlers Liquor & Wine Cellar, Frisco
