Colorado beer drinkers came closer than ever Wednesday to being able to buy a six-pack of full-strength beer at the same convenience stores where they purchase gas, cigarettes and snacks, The Denver Post reports. Legislation approved Wednesday by a House committee could affect hundreds of thousands of thirsty Coloradans statewide in terms of easier access to higher-alcohol suds on one hand and possibly less variety of brew on the other, witnesses testified. House Bill 1186 passed on a 7-4 bipartisan vote, the first time any recent bill to expand beer sales has passed committee.

Separately, The Post comments: The 3.2 percent law is a relic of the Prohibition era that should have been repealed long ago.