DENVER -- For the past two years, Colorado lawmakers have turned thumbs down on a proposal that would have allowed supermarkets and convenience food stores to sell full-strength beer and wine.

Now, voters may get to decide the issue.

Denver attorney Blake Harrison is spearheading a ballot initiative that would change the liquor law, allowing food stores to sell full-strength beer and wine, and allowing liquor stores to sell non-perishable food.

"I'm trying to make sure that people have a voice in this," Harrison said.

His proposed initiative would restrict the floor space used for those sales and would require that part of that space be dedicated to craft beer and boutique wines.

"I would prefer a completely open market, but we have to take this one step at a time to minimize the effects on everybody," he said.

Chris Howes, of the Colorado Retail Council, a group representing Safeway, King Soopers, 7-Eleven and Loaf 'N Jug, told 7NEWS, "I think it's great that a consumer has filed an initiative. Although it's not our language, I think we're generally supportive of the direction that it's moving."

Sam Rodriquez, part owner of Plaza de Santa Fe liquors at 14th and Santa Fe, said he is against the proposed initiative.

"We're across the street from a major chain (King Soopers) and it would just cripple us," Rodriguez said.

Grocery shopper Catherine Millard told 7NEWS, "I understand that for the liquor stores that's a tricky subject because they lose business, but I do think for the consumer it's extremely convenient. It would make life a lot easier."

Harrison said, "I'm focusing on what the consumers want. And what consumers want is to be able to buy wine with their cheese. It's not a radical idea."

Harrison, who is running for the District 7 house seat, said the initiative would allow the licensing authority to deny a liquor license to a supermarket or food convenience store if there are already several liquor establishments in the neighborhood.

Harrison said if lawmakers pass a grocery store beer and wine bill during the next legislative session, he will withdraw his proposal.