Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Question: Which Colorado city outlawed hard liquor until 1969, remaining a “dry town” more than three decades after the repeal of federal Prohibition?

Answer: Fort Collins banned alcohol in 1896 and didn’t repeal the ordinance until 1969, though by then the law had been amended to permit the sale of low-alcohol (3.2%) beverages. When, after 73 years, hard liquor once more became legal, the Coloradoan documented the event, writing: “The first legal drink of spirituous liquor sold in Ft. Collins since 1896 was served about 5:00 p.m. August 8.”

Today, Fort Collins is known for its thriving local brewery scene, being home to New Belgium, Odell, and dozens of microbreweries.