Erie Restaurants, Bars and Liquor Stores all must have an Erie Liquor License before they can legally sell alcohol. All retail liquor licenses submitted to the Town of Erie Local Liquor Licensing Authority who is the Municipal Judge.  Liquor license applicants will be required to attend a liquor license hearing before a judge. The Town of Erie Clerk serves as Secretary to the Local Liquor Licensing Authority.  

Colorado liquor laws and rules govern the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Any person intending to manufacture, sell, or deal in spirituous liquor in the State of Colorado must apply for a Colorado liquor license.

Is a Lawyer Necessary to Obtain an Erie Liquor License?

No, but it is recommended as the liquor license hearing is a quasi-judicial proceeding, and if your liquor license application is denied, you have a right to appeal.  The liquor license appeal will be based on the record created before the Erie Local Liquor Licensing Authority, so if you do not create a proper record, a successful appeal of the license denial will be significantly more difficult to achieve.

In order to apply for and obtain an Erie Colorado Liquor License, applicants must review and be familiar with the Town of Erie Liquor Licensing Rules of Procedure, in addition to the Colorado Liquor Code and Colorado Liquor Rules and other laws that pertain to liquor licenses and procedures.  an applicant/licensee must also review state statutes, rules and regulations, and local ordinances applicable to their circumstance. Town staff cannot answer questions regarding how the rules, statutes, ordinances, and regulations apply to an applicant/licensee’s situation; any such questions should be directed to a lawyer.

Further, LLCs and Corporations may not appear “pro se” in Colorado Courts, with very limited exceptions.  While many licensing authorities permit LLCs and Corporations to represent themselves at liquor license hearings, a very strong argument can be made that this is improper.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Erie Liquor License?

The Erie liquor licensing process generally takes three to four months (sometimes longer) to complete.  Check the Erie Liquor License Hearing Schedule. Town of Erie Liquor Licenses are issued by ‘dual’ licensing authorities – the Town of Erie and the State of Colorado.

Process for Obtaining an Erie Liquor License

1. Choose the proper type of Colorado Liquor License for your establishment.
   • Common Colorado Liquor License Types Are:
     1. Hotel Restaurant License
     2. Tavern License
     3. Beer and Wine License
     4. Retail Liquor Store License
     5. Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer License
     6. Brew Pub License
     7. Distillery Pub License
2. Read the Town of Erie’s Liquor Licensing Rules of Procedure.
3. Choose the correct permit application from the State.
4. Submit the liquor license application to the Town of Erie. 
5. Pay any associated fees with the liquor license application.
6. Post a public notice.
   • A Public Notice must be posted conspicuously at the physical location of the premises no less than 10 days before the public hearing.
7. Petition the neighborhood.
   • The Eire Local Licensing Authority considers the “need and desires” of the adult inhabitants of the neighborhood as evidenced by documentation from residents and/or businesses within a ½ mile radius of the address to be licensed. The Application has the burden of providing such evidence through petitions, letters, or other means of evidence.  A petition is generally the most effective method to establish that the issuance of the liquor license will serve the needs and desires of the neighborhood.
8. Attend a liquor license public hearing. 
9. Applications that are approved by the Erie local license authority are forwarded to the Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Division for final approval and issuance.

Liquor License Renewal

Once an Erie liquor license is obtained, it must be renewed annually.  Liquor license renewal applications must be submitted 45 days prior to license expiration date, while Colorado Special Event liquor permit applications must be submitted 60 days prior to the event. 

Erie Liquor License Violations

All Colorado Liquor Licensees are subject to the laws and rules of Colorado that govern the manufacture, distribution, sale and service of alcohol in the State of Colorado.  The most common violation we see is for failure to pass a compliance check, for the sale of alcohol to a minor.  Even with the best training, mistakes happen.  The key is to understand who is being cited with the Colorado liquor law violation, why the liquor violations occurred and to know your options.

Erie Liquor License Lawyers

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