Denver Business Licensing Center

• Sole proprietor
• Partnership
• Corporation or Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

If you need assistance creating your business, contact the Denver Office of Economic Development or visit their website for more information.

Classes

• 3.2 Percent Beer License 
• Arts Liquor License 
• Bed and Breakfast Permit  
• Beer and Wine License 
• Brew Pub  
• Club License 
• Liquor Licensed Drug Store  

• Hotel and Restaurant 
• Hotel and Restaurant with Optional Premises  
• Retail Liquor Store  
• Tavern  
• Vintner's Restaurant License  

Special Permits

• Art Gallery Liquor Permit  
• Bed and Breakfast Permit 
• Special Events Permit  

A Zone Use Permit is required before obtaining a liquor license. 

Application forms and business entity documents are required for the applications process.  All documents must be submitted in duplicate – one copy for the City of Denver and the original copy for the Sate of Colorado.  Documents must be printed in black ink or typewritten.  Photocopies are accepted.

All documents should be submitted to the Department of Excise and Licenses.

Application Documents

• Colorado Liquor Retail License Application (PDF)
• Sales Tax License
• Right of Possession Document (Lease or Deed)
• Occupancy Permit which may be obtained from the Denver Fire Department
• Plot Plan and detailed sketch of the perimeter and interior of the premises.  The floor plan drawing is to be on 8 1/2 by 11 inches with dimensions included.  The diagram does not have to be to scale, but must accurately reflect the area to be licensed, including depictions of the following:
  • Exterior areas showing control of the licensed premises (fences, walls, doors, gates, etc)
  • A diagram for each floor plan, outlined in red to indicate the boundary (including external and internal walls, doors, fences, gates, and the like)The diagram must identify the kitchen area if the applicant is applying for a Hotel and Restaurant class liquor license.  The diagram of the kitchen must include the range, refrigerator, sinks, dishwashers, and other industrial equipment.
  • Location of the proposed licensed premises designating where alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, distributed or consumed
• If the building does not exist at the time the license is applied for, the applicant must submit an architect's drawing of the building to be constructed
• A list of equipment if the applicant is applying for a Tavern class liquor license and the proposed premises does not have a kitchen area
• 3 maps of the area
• Financial Questionnaire (PDF)
• Individual History Form (PDF)

• Cabaret License Application (PDF) if any form of entertainment is being offered

Fingerprints for the following:

• All officers and directors
• Members and shareholders who own 10% or more of the business entity
• Read more about Fingerprinting and Background Checks.  

Additional Documentation by Form of Business Entity

Corporate Applicants

• Certificate of Incorporation
• A current Certificate of Good Standing
• A certificate of Authorization (if applicant is a foreign corporation)
• A list of all Officers and Directors and Members and Stockholders of the Parent Corporation who own 10% or more of the applicant's entity.  (The list must designate one person as the "principal officer")
• A Trade Name Certificate, if applicable
• Current Corporate minutes authorizing application for a liquor and/or cabaret license

Limited Liability Company Applicants

• Articles of Organization
• A current Certificate of Good Standing
• Operating Agreement
• A certificate of Authority (if the applicant is a foreign company)
• A Trade Name Certificate, if applicable
• Identification of its licensed premises manager

Sole Proprietorship Applicants

• Trade Name Affidavit, if applicable

Application Fee:

City - $1,000.00 made payable to Manager of Finance

State - $1,025.00 made payble to Colorado Department of Revenue

For Concurrent Review:

State - $1,125.00

Colorado Bureau of Investigations Fingerprinting:  $38.50 per person who owns at least  10% of the business entity

License Fees:

Determined by the class of license

Fees must be paid with certified funds.  

• A public hearing is scheduled once all other requirements are complete
• An area is designated around the proposed location from which residents and business owners/managers can sign petitions and testify at the public hearing
• A sign is posted at the premises of the proposed liquor license for at least twenty (days) prior to the hearing. 
• The posting sign must follow these guidelines:
  • Be white, sturdy, and measure 22 inches wide by 26 inches high with letters not less than one inch high
  • Indicate the type of license, the date and time of the hearing,the name, and address of the licensee and any partners or officers of the licensee
  • Be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises so that it is plainly visible and legible to the public
  • Contain a map of the designated area
  • Contents to be included on the posting sign will be estabished by the Department of Excise and Licenses.
• Registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), public newspapers, the City Council and the Police District are notified of the application and public hearing
• Petitions are circulated in support and against the proposed liquor license.  Read more about petitions.  
• Public Hearing is held
• Final decision is issued by the Director of Excise and Licenses

Read more about public hearings.  

After the public hearing is approved, the applicant will receive an inspection card.  Inspections and signatures are required from the following agencies:

• Development Services (720) 865-2982
• Denver Fire Department (720) 913-3409
• Environmental Health    (720) 865-5401
• Department of Excise and Licenses (720) 865-2756 (Last inspection - Schedule when all other inspections have been completed.)

Once your inspections are completed, bring the signed card to the Department of Excise and Licenses office.  Your license will be issued when the following actions are taken: 

1. All documents required for the license are complete and submitted to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses office
2. The background check is approved for each person that is fingerprinted
3. All fees are paid in full
4. All approvals are given by the state and local offices.

NOTE:  You are encouraged to stay in touch with the Department of Excise and LIcenses during your application process as each step can vary from the general steps described herein depending upon your own particular circumstances.