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Liquor Licensing

The amount of time it takes to get a Colorado liquor license depends on what type of liquor license you need.

A LaszloLaw Colorado Liquor License Lawyer can help you apply for and obtain a liquor license.  Common Colorado liquor license types are the Colorado Hotel and Restaurant License, Colorado Retail Liquor Store License and Colorado Tavern License (Bars and Pubs).  Retail Colorado liquor licenses are issued by both the local licensing authorities (city or county), and the state of Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division. city or county in which the license will operate.  Because each local Colorado liquor license authority has its own process for approving liquor licenses, processing and approval times may vary – however, in our experience, 3-4 months from start to finish is fairly accurate.  Non-Retail liquor licenses, such as distilleries, brewery, winery and wholesale are submitted directly to the state of Colorado.

Our Colorado Beverage Lawyers will help you get a liquor license anywhere in Colorado, including:

Boulder | Aspen | Golden | Fort CollinsBroomfield | Westminster | Denver | Erie | Frisco | Longmont | Colorado Springs | Aurora | Arvada | Northglenn | Thornton | Wheat Ridge | Vail | Edwards | Grand Junction | Telluride | Durango | Lake City | Evergreen| Breckenridge

Common Colorado Liquor License Types:

  • Colorado Hotel and Restaurant License:  Permits restaurants, and hotels with restaurant facilities, to sell malt, vinous, and spirituous liquors to the public for consumption within the licensed premises.
  • Colorado Tavern License: Permits the sale to the public of malt, vinous, and spirituous liquors for consumption on the premises.  A Colorado Tavern License is required to operate a traditional bar that is not a restaurant where hard liquor, beer and wine will be served.
  • Colorado Beer and Wine License: Permits the sale of malt and vinous liquors only to the public for consumption on the licensed premises “On Premise.”
  • Colorado Retail Liquor Store License: Permits the sale of beer, wine and spirits for consumption off the licensed premises “Off Premise.”
  • Colorado Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer License: Permits the sale of beer and wine (not spirits) for consumption off the licensed premises “Off Premise.”
  • Colorado Brew Pub License:  Allows sale and consumption on premises of malt, vinous and spirituous liquors, and permits the manufacture of malt liquor on the licensed premises. Malt liquor which is manufactured on the licensed premises may be sold for consumption on the premises, sold to an independent wholesaler for distribution to other licensed retailers, or sold to the public in properly labeled sealed containers “to go.”
  • Colorado Distillery Pub License: Allows sale and consumption on premises of malt, vinous and spirituous liquors, and permits the manufacture and production of distilled spirits on the licensed premises. Distilled spirits that is produced on the licensed premises may be sold for consumption on the premises, sold to an independent wholesaler for distribution to other licensed retailers, or sold to the public in properly labeled and sealed containers.

Classes of Colorado Liquor Licenses

  • Art gallery permit
  • Arts license
  • Bed and breakfast permit
  • Beer and wine license
  • Brew Pub license
  • Club license
  • Distillery Pub license
  • Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer License
  • Hotel and restaurant license
  • Importer’s license
  • Limited winery license
  • Liquor–licensed drugstore license
  • Liquor–licensed drugstore manager’s permit
  • Lodging and entertainment license
  • Manufacturer’s license
  • Nonresident manufacturers and importers of malt liquor
  • Optional premises license
  • Public transportation system license
  • Racetrack license
  • Removal of vinous liquor from licensed premises
  • Retail gaming tavern license
  • Retail liquor store license
  • Tavern license
  • Vintner’s restaurant license
  • Wholesaler’s license
  • Wine festival permit
  • Wine packaging permit
  • 3.2% Beer License

As with any business, it is important to plan ahead.  Advance planning is especially important when your business will be selling or manufacturing alcohol.  When planning to start a business that will require a Colorado liquor license, we recommend at least six months advance planning prior to opening.

Colorado Liquor License Lawyers of LaszloLaw

Our Colorado Liquor License lawyers are ready to assist in obtaining a Colorado Liquor License.  Whether you need to transfer, modify, or obtain a new liquor license, our Colorado beverage attorneys will start by addressing your needs and continue to provide guidance along the way.  Your goals and bottom line are our priorityContact the Colorado liquor license lawyers at LaszloLaw today to discuss your Colorado liquor license needs.

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