Every day, decisions are made at the State Capitol in Denver that can change the outlook for business owners throughout Colorado. You don’t have time to monitor every debate, discussion, and proposal that develops in the legislature – we do it for you.
The CRA Government Affairs team witnessing Governor Jared Polis sign the permanent Alcohol to Go bill in 2024.
The CRA’s legislative priorities are determined by our members, the restaurateurs and vendor allies who form the CRA Board of Directors, the Boards for our eight statewide chapters, and the legislative committee that votes on the issues relevant to our advocacy efforts. These individuals represent all elements of the local hospitality industry, from single-unit independent restaurants on the Western Slope to multi-unit chain concepts on the eastern plains and everything in between.
Join us today and raise your voice for our industry.
Remember, if you’re not at the table, your business is likely on the legislative menu.
Top 2024 Advocacy Wins
Made Alcohol To-Go Permanent
The CRA successfully ran legislation to allow restaurants and other on-premise retailers to offer alcohol for take-out and delivery on a permanent basis. This ability would have expired in 2025 had it not been for the legislation.
Defeated Legislation to Eliminate the Tip Credit
The CRA mobilized restaurateurs and advocates to push back on proposed legislation that would have allowed local governments to eliminate the tip credit. Due to the CRA’s fast and effective efforts, this legislation was never even introduced by its sponsors.
Secured Additional Funding forColorado ProStart®
The CRA Government Affairs team advocated at the Joint Budget Committee to secure an additional $83,000 for the Hospitality Grant Program. As a result, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation is able to offer ProStart programs at 8 additional schools across the state.
Issues Affecting Colorado Restaurants in 2025
- Inflation
- Staffing shortages, workforce development
- Swipe/interchange fees
- Protecting the tip credit
- Labor, wage & hour law
- Housing & transportation
- Health & wellness
- Taxes & tax incentives
- Liquor regulations
- Small-business development
- Tourism
- ADA
- Supply chain disruptions
- Licensing
- Sustainability
- Immigration
- Cannabis regulations
- Food code
Bills We’re Tracking in 2025
The CRA Government Affairs team fights every day to protect your businesses’ interests at all levels of government.
Below you can learn about the bills that relate to the restaurant industry that we are actively engaged in or monitoring during the 2025 State Legislative Session.
As the leading restaurant advocacy organization in Colorado, the CRA is your go-to source for industry information. If you are a member of the media or the legislature and want to learn more about how the above bills or issues impact restaurants, we are here to help!
Action Center
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Support and influence our advocacy work on behalf of restaurants, and learn how to communicate effectively with representatives at all levels of government.
