The Senate today gave final approval to Senate Bill 149 on a largely party-line vote, after GOP critics charged it needlessly raises fees on restaurants and bars.

The bill increases, and in some cases doubles, the allowable fees that cities and counties can charge for renewing and transferring liquor licenses. Bill sponsor Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins, rejected charges that SB-149 was unnecessary.

“We have a philosophical difference,” Bacon said, responding to arguments that the fees were a needless burden on small businesses.

Critics of the bill, led by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , R-Castle Rock, say that it is one more example of Democrats ignoring the harmful effects of endless fee increases on small businesses.

“It’s a point we should (have) on record, not increasing fees on business,” Wiens said.

“It’s the goose that lays the golden egg in Colorado, and we shouldn’t hurt it,” he continued, referring to small business growth.

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , R-Centennial, joined Wiens in criticizing senate Democrats’ nonchalant approach to harmful business regulations.

“Small businesses and restaurants have had enough new burdens, with the smoking ban and the minimum wage increase,” Spence said after the debate. “They shouldn’t be further burdened with a big fee hike.”