Drinking age in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Alcohol rules are set by state law; these rules have not yet been verified for this state.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | Possession or consumption of alcohol by a person under 21 is an offence, but it is an affirmative defence if it took place legally on private property with the owner's knowledge and consent and with the consent of a parent or legal guardian who was present. A parent or legal guardian, or a person with that parent's permission, may give or permit it on those conditions; a licensed establishment may not give alcohol to under-21s. Religious use protected by the First Amendment is not a violation, and supervised tasting by post-secondary culinary students is also a defence. [2] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | It is unlawful to consume alcohol beverages in any public place, except on licensed premises that may sell by the drink for consumption there. Adults 21 and over may drink in a public place, other than a public right of way, where a municipality, city and county, county, or (for state parks and wildlife areas) the parks and wildlife commission has specifically authorised consumption by ordinance, resolution or rule. [3] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Malt, vinous and spirituous liquors may be sold, served or distributed for consumption on the premises on any day except between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., and in sealed containers only from 8 a.m. until midnight each day. Fermented malt beverages may not be sold between midnight and 8 a.m. Retail sale of alcohol is only allowed at the permanent location named in the licence. [3] |
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly (Office of Legislative Legal Services): (Internet Archive snapshot of 22 September 2026) Colorado Revised Statutes 2023, Title 44 (section 44-3-901, Unlawful acts) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services: Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 18 (section 18-13-122, Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person) (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 October 2025; later amendments not checked) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services: Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 44 (section 44-3-901, Unlawful acts) (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 April 2025; later amendments not checked) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy) | 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy) | Only with a parent present, on private property | No, unless a local authority allows it | Bars 7am-2am; sealed 8am-midnight |
| Kansas | 21 | 21 | Parent/guardian may supervise (cereal malt beverage) | Banned on public streets and property, with exceptions | Package sales 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday depends on locality |
| Nebraska | 21 (a minor is under 21) | 21 (a minor is under 21) | Religious rite or own permanent residence | Banned on public property unless authorised | No sales 1-6 a.m.; Sunday hours restricted |
| New Mexico | 21 | 21 | Parent/guardian/spouse on own property; religious use | Open containers banned in vehicles on highways | Licensed premises 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; packages 7 a.m.-midnight |
| Utah | 21 | 21 | Only medical or religious services | No liquor in public buildings, parks, stadiums | None to under 21 or drunk; state stores |
| Wyoming | 21 | 21 | Allowed with parent/spouse/guardian, religious, medical | ⚠ Not yet verified | No statewide hours; set locally |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 30 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.