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Planning

Liquor Licensing

Any business serving alcohol in Douglas County is required to have license approval by the Local Liquor Licensing Authority.   This includes new licenses, renewals, transfers and report of changes per the Colorado Liquor Code.  Douglas County also approves all local tastings and special event permits.  Fees vary based on the type of license needed.

License holders are responsible for complying with all laws, rules and regulations.  Random compliance checks and inspections are performed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor Enforcement Division.

Upcoming Liquor License Meetings

New Liquor Licenses

Applications must be held for 30 days prior to being heard by the Liquor Licensing Authority, per State law.  The 30-day timeframe begins once Douglas County staff receives an application and determines it is complete.  Liquor Licensing Authority hearings are scheduled on an as-needed basis.  Staff will schedule a hearing as soon as possible based on the State’s processing time.  A public hearing notice must be published in the newspaper and posted at the business site at least 10 days before the hearing date.  Please note that a license will only be issued upon approval from the Liquor Licensing Authority and the Colorado Department of Revenue.  A Certificate of Occupancy from the Douglas County Building Division may also be required, if applicable.

Renewing a Liquor License

Businesses approaching their renewal date will receive a renewal notification letter from Douglas County, as well as a Renewal Application form from the State approximately 60 to 90 days before their license is set to expire.

Renewal Submittal Requirements

The following renewal documents must be submitted to Douglas County:

Submittal Requirements (due before a hearing can be scheduled)

  1. Liquor License Application or 3.2% percent Beer License Application form with all required attachments.  Once Douglas County staff determines the application to be complete, it is sent to the State during the 30-day waiting period.
  2. Individual History Report – A background check will need to be conducted on all officers, directors, general partners, managing members and anyone with ownership of 10 percent of the company or more.
  3. Fingerprints – Those who are required to submit an Individual History Report are also required to be fingerprinted.
  4. Two checks are due based on the Fee Schedule – One check payable to Douglas County and one to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Submittal Requirements (due prior to the hearing)

  1. Petition and Report – Submit a completed petition and report one week before the scheduled hearing date.  Please contact Douglas County staff for petitioning resources.
  2. Affidavit of Posting and Documentation – Provide an Affidavit of Posting and a photograph documenting that signage was posted one week prior to the hearing date.
  3. Training – Complete and provide proof of Training for Intervention Procedure(s), also known as TIPS training, or an approved corporate training program for all servers.  Contact Douglas County staff for training resources.

Transfer of a Liquor License

Any entity wishing to obtain an existing liquor license must complete a transfer of ownership. Transfers of ownership require both State and local approval but do not require a public hearing before the Local Liquor Licensing Authority. An applicant may also request a temporary permit for the period during which the transfer is being reviewed.  Fees do apply.

Submittal Requirements

Liquor License Report of Changes

Any changes in management, ownership, premise or serving boundaries, must be reported to Douglas County by submitting Form DR 8177, which is for Report of Changes Corporation, Limited Liability Company, and Partnership.  An Individual History Record may also be required.

Liquor License Special Event Permit

A Special Event Permit authorizes the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages to the public.  Private events that are invitation-only on private property do not require a permit to serve alcohol.  Organizations are limited to holding 15 events per year in the state of Colorado.  A permit is required if one or more of the following occurs:

  • Alcohol is being sold
  • An admission or ticket price includes alcohol
  • An event is open to the public and alcohol is being sold or provided

There are two types of Special Event Permits:

  1. Allows the sale of malt, vinous, and spirituous liquor – $25 per day*
  2. Allows only the sale of 3.2 percent beer – $10 per day*

* Note:  Make check payable to Douglas County.

Special Event Permit Qualifications

You must meet one of the following criteria in order to qualify:

  • Not-for-profit organizations that have been incorporated pursuant to Colorado law for purposes of a social, fraternal, patriotic, political, or athletic nature
  • A non-profit, regularly chartered branch, lodge or chapter of a national organization or society organized for purposes of a social, fraternal, political, or athletic nature
  • A regularly established religious or philanthropic organization
  • A political candidate who has filed the necessary reports with the Colorado Secretary of State
  • Municipality-owned arts facilities

Special Event Permit Submittal Requirements (must be submitted 30 days prior to an event)

The following documents must be submitted to Douglas County:

  • Completed Special Event Permit Application form
  • Check payable to Douglas County in the appropriate amount of $25 for malt, vinous and spirituous liquor or $10 for 3.2 percent beer
  • Copy or proof of Authorization for Use of Premises
  • Approved Street Closure Application form, if applicable
  • Political candidates must provide copies of reports and statements filed with the Secretary of State

For additional questions regarding Special Event Permits or liquor licensing, please email [email protected] or call 303-660-7460.

Liquor License Tasting Permit Requirements

Douglas County approves all local Tastings Permits.  Retail liquor stores may conduct up to 104 tastings per year with dates that run concurrently with its license.  No more than four tastings can be held in one week between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.  Any changes must be provided to Douglas County at least 72 hours in advance.  Fees do apply.

The following documents must be submitted to Douglas County: