Join Colorado’s ONLY statewide association representing and
advocating on behalf of independent, family-owned, local liquor stores.

About CILSU

Colorado Independent Liquor Stores United (CILSU) is the ONLY statewide association representing and advocating on behalf of Colorado’s independent, family-owned local liquor stores 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 advocacy - ensuring a voice for the independent liquor stores on public policy that impact their 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 quality vendors whose services support liquor store operations.
We would be proud to have you on the team as we prosper together. CILSU’s strength is in its numbers and the amplification of your voice, as a local Colorado retailer.

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 responsible sale of alcohol as a controlled substance is critical to public safety and consumer protection - the laws and regulations in place to support this have effectively served Coloradans for over 80 years. However, large out-of-state corporations and hedge/investment fund-owned companies seek to move Colorado away from this solid foundation - for their own profit, at the expense of public safety and Colorado’s family-owned local businesses.


The following core principles are of critical importance to CILSU 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 would be tragic to enact policies that would shift the marketplace in favor of chain retailers and hedge/investment funded corporations at the expense of Colorado’s local, family-owned stores and public safety - this would include any proposed modifications to the guardrails around (1) alcohol delivery and (2) the separation of on- and off-premise alcohol sales.

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

We offer savings through quality services and products.

Timely Communication

It is critical that you always have timely information and updates on issues impacting your business - pending legislation and regulations; regulatory updates and guidance; other business
related actions.

Members-Only Hotline

As a liquor-licensed retailer, your number one asset is your liquor license. But how do you navigate and stay on top of the ever-changing laws, rules and regulations? CILSU pro vides quick and direct access for answers and information on issues impacting members' businesses.

Preferred Partners, Products and Vendors

CILSU's preferred business partners help members save time and money on quality products and services - such as, merchant processing services; general business, liquor liability, workers compensation, and health insurance plans; point of sale systems; liquor store brokers; ATM sales and service; legal referrals, and more. CILSU members receive discounted fees and pricing, as well as priority access.
View our Associate Members List

Responsible Vendor Training

CILSU offers tailored training for you and your employees at a discounted price, on site for your ease and convenience. Through effective instruction, we know that fewer minors and intoxicated persons have successfully purchased alcohol. CILSU urges all licensees to mitigate the risk and damages associated with underage sales. And, if you offer “tastings” for customers, training may be required by LED and many cities.

Meet the CILSU Team

Executive Director Chris Fine


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

CILSU Directors


Josh Robinson

Argonaut Wine & Liquor, Denver


Chris Carran

Locals Liquor, Silverthorne


Adam Krier

Bevy's Liquor World, Denver


Bruce Dierking

Hazel's Beverage World, Boulder


Carolyn Joy

Joy Wine & Spirits, Denver


John Justice

Christie's Liquor, Dinosaur


Paul Phillips

Antlers Liquor & Wine Cellar, Frisco


Drop Us a Line

Have a question about what we do or how you can join?  Drop us a line and we'll be in touch as soon possible!

Share by: