The legal requirements governing liquor licenses are established by the State of Colorado and the City and County of Denver.  The State laws regarding liquor licenses are: Fermented Malt Beverages (12-46-101 C.R.S. (2008)); Alcohol Beverages (12-47-101 C.R.S.  (2008)); Liquors - Special Event Permits (12-48-101 C.R.S. (2008)); and State regulations promulgated pursuant to those statutory requirements (1 C.C.R. 203-2, Regulation 470).  The City and County ordinances regarding liquor licenses (and other business licenses) are in the Municipal Code at Licenses, Chapter 32, D.R.M.C.

The Policies and Procedures pertaining to liquor and 3.2 beer licenses of the City and County of Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses (“the Department”) have been written to implement and interpret the laws referred to above.  The Department’s Policies and Procedures set forth the standard practices of the Department for informational and guidance purposes only.  They may be modified or adapted in the discretion of the Director of the Department, as required to address particular matters and to the extent permitted by law.