DENVER - Once again, a bill that would have allowed craft beer in convenience stores and supermarkets has failed €" this time, jettisoned by its own sponsor over lack of support, the Coloradan.com reports.

State Rep. Kevin Priola sponsored House Bill 1178, which would allow convenience stores, supermarkets and other retailers to stock craft beer. Since 2009, lawmakers have been trying to expand the sale of beer and wine in convenience and grocery stores, but all have failed to garner enough votes.

At a hearing this week before the House Business, Labor and Economic Workforce Development Committee, Priola requested the proposal be shelved. "I understand the craft beer folks oppose this bill, but it simply amuses me that the same companies they shut out of the market here are the same ones they currently do business with in other states," he said to the committee.

In the past, the Colorado Brewers Guild has not supported other legislation because it say the bill would harm the state€™s beer market. Liquor stores have echoed that reason in their opposition.

Priola had wanted to bring Colorado alcohol retail sales into the 21st century with his bill, pointing to the more than 40 states that let grocery and convenience stores sell full-strength beer.