(Gazette) - More grocery stores would be able to sell full-strength beer and wine under a bill that passed the House on second reading Tuesday and seems likely to head to the governor's desk on the final day of the legislative session.

Leaving only a few hours to spare, members of the House gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 197.

After years of grappling with the issue of opening the highly regulated liquor store industry in Colorado, lawmakers struck a compromise this year that pleases nearly everyone involved.

The bill would slowly phase in the ability for chain grocery stores to acquire multiple licenses to sell full-strength beer and wine. In 2017 a store would be able to buy four additional licenses, in 2032 an additional 19, and in 2037 an unlimited number.

More grocery stores would be able to sell full-strength beer and wine under a bill that passed the House on second reading Tuesday and seems likely to head to the governor's desk on the final day of the legislative session.

Leaving only a few hours to spare, members of the House gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 197.

After years of grappling with the issue of opening the highly regulated liquor store industry in Colorado, lawmakers struck a compromise this year that pleases nearly everyone involved.

The bill would slowly phase in the ability for chain grocery stores to acquire multiple licenses to sell full-strength beer and wine. In 2017 a store would be able to buy four additional licenses, in 2032 an additional 19, and in 2037 an unlimited number.