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Restaurants & Bars

Obtaining a Colorado Restaurant Liquor License is required for restaurants and bars that intend to sell or serve alcohol in Colorado.

Proper planning and attention to detail will be the difference between obtaining your license in time for your grand opening and many months of delay and additional paperwork.

New Colorado Liquor License

An application for a new Colorado restaurant liquor license takes approximately three months to process.  We strongly recommend that you submit your application four to five months ahead of your planned opening date.  Colorado restaurants and bars will apply for liquor licenses at the city or county level, and will be required to demonstrate that the “needs and desires” of the surrounding neighborhood will be met by the issuance of the liquor license.  We will work with you to complete the needs and desires survey and present the results at a Public Hearing before the Local Licensing Authority.  Additionally, the moral character of the applicant(s) will be considered by both the local licensing authority and the Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Division.

Common Types of Colorado Liquor Licenses for Restaurants and Bars:

  • Hotel and Restaurant liquor license (full service wine, beer, spirits )
  • Tavern (bar) liquor license (full service wine, beer, spirits)
  • Lodging and Entertainment liquor license
  • Beer and Wine liquor license (Beer and wine only)
  • Brew Pub liquor license
  • Distillery Pub liquor license
  • Vintner’s Restaurant
  • Special Events Permit

Before you can apply for a Colorado restaurant liquor license, the applicant must:

  • Be a properly formed entity (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp or partnership), be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office and authorized to do business in Colorado;
  • Submit fingerprints (owners with 10% ownership interest);
  • Have legal possession of the premises/property to be licensed through ownership or a lease;
  • Have a sales tax license;
  • Contact the local Planning Department for information regarding the location of the licensed premises for zoning, restrictions, etc.;
  • Contact local Health Department (food service applicants) for food service requirements;
  • Applicants with new buildings must complete the planning process before submitting a liquor license application.

Additionally, most cities require a Control Plan be submitted with the liquor license application. The Plan must identify how alcohol will be controlled on the premises, where the alcohol will be stored, training of employees and signage regarding where alcohol is permitted.

In addition to the information above, our Colorado Liquor License Lawyers have written about the key steps to keep in mind as you prepare to apply for a Colorado Liquor License.

Our Liquor License lawyers are ready to help you every step of the way with your Restaurant or Bar Liquor License.

Our Liquor License lawyers are ready to assist in obtaining a Colorado Liquor License for your restaurant or bar.  Whether you need to transfer, modify, or obtain a new liquor license, our Colorado liquor 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 liquor license needs.

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