Special Event Liquor Permit

You can access the online application by clicking on the blue buttons on the right side of this page.

A special event liquor permit applicant can check the status of an application through the online application portal. Download the Application Status Check-In Guide(PDF, 457KB) for step-by-step instructions.

We recommend using Google Chrome or Safari browsers to complete the application.

Special event liquor permits should be applied for at least 30 days before the event. This will ensure Excise and Licenses has plenty of time to process the application and the applicant time to post notice about the event.

By way of example, special event liquor permits are required when a qualifying organization or political candidate:

• Has an event and wants to sell alcohol
• Has an event that is open to the public and alcohol is available
• Has an event where there is a cash bar
• Has a public event where donations are requested
• Has a public event where admission fees are required

• Sandwiches or food snacks must be available at all times when alcohol is being sold.
• A special event permit cannot be issued to the same applicant for more than 15 days in a calendar year.

A zone use permit might be required when submitting a special event liquor application to Excise and Licenses. 

• A zone use permit is a document granting the applicant/owner of a lot, building, or structure permission for the requested use of the land. "Use" can be defined as any activity, occupation, business or operation in a building or on a lot/tract of land.

Zone use permit not required for events held in public parks/buildings and on public streets or alleys:

• Zone use permits are not required for events in city parks and recreation centers as well as other Denver Parks and Recreation facilities, Denver International Airport, and Denver Arts and Venues facilities, or for events in the public right-of-way (public streets/alleys).
• Events that are scheduled in a public park or street should be coordinated through the Office of Special Events. OSE will work with the applicant and appropriate city agencies to ensure the event checklist is tailored to address the city’s licensing and permitting concerns.

Events inside a building already zoned for assembly

• For events inside a building on private property, a zone use permit is required to ensure the building is appropriately zoned and permitted to host a public assembly event. Click here for a list of zoning uses where events for public assembly are allowed as part of the primary permitted use.
• Applicants can request a copy of the most current zone use permit for the subject building or space by emailing zoning.review@denvergov.org. Be sure to include the property address. The most current zone use permit can be submitted for multiple events, and does not need to be updated unless the zoning use has changed since the permit was issued.  

Events in a building or outdoors (including parking lots) not zoned for assembly

• For events in a building or outdoors where the subject building or land is not currently permitted by zoning for public assembly events, applicants must apply for and receive a special event temporary zoning use permit.  

The applicant might need to secure a fire safety permit. The Denver Fire Department will determine if a permit is needed for the liquor special event. If no permit is required, it will send the applicant a letter indicating such, which can be submitted in lieu of the fire permit with the special event liquor application to Excise and Licenses. If the Denver Fire Department determines a permit is required, the applicant must submit it along with the special event liquor application to Excise and Licenses.

1. Start gathering the required documents listed in the next section. Make sure the documents are filled out and uploaded to your computer. Some documents may take several days to obtain.
2. When entering your event date and time information, use military time.
3. Have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online.
4. Start your application.

Excise and Licenses will strive to process any application for a special event liquor permit within seven business days. The application review process could take longer if the application is found to be incomplete.

The application process for a special event liquor permit is as follows:

1. An application is submitted online. All required documents must be uploaded before the application is submitted.
2. Excise and Licenses, along with the Denver Fire Department, will review the application and supporting documents for completeness. If the application is found to be incomplete, a "notice of deficiency" email will be sent to the applicant allowing 14 days for corrections (or as noted in notification).
3. If the applicant is found to be eligible for licensing, a copy of the special event liquor permit will be emailed to the applicant.
4. The permit must be posted at all times the event is being held.

Application forms and business entity documents are required for the applications process. Documents must be printed in black ink or typewritten.  Photocopies are accepted. 

All documents are submitted through the online process to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses. 

• Special event liquor application(PDF, 178KB) 
• Federal Tax Employer Identification Number for the nonprofit
• Diagram of premises that depicts the bar and alcohol service areas (outlined in red). Indicate where the posting notice will be placed (indicate nearest cross streets of where posting will be on the floor plan).
• A certificate of good standing from the Colorado Secretary of State within the past year, a nonprofit charter, or copies of reports and statements filed with the Colorado Secretary of State if a political candidate.
• If there is going to be music, apply for a special event cabaret permit(PDF, 170KB).
• Zone use permit or special event temporary zone use permit (if applicable)
• Fire special event permit. The Denver Fire Department will review the event application. If a fire permit is not required, the fire department will mark the permit as not required in our system. If it determines a permit is required, it will review the application and contact you if more information is required.
• Authorization documents depending on property use will be as follows:
  • Street closures require a ROWE/DOTI permit.
  • Events held in a park require a Parks and Recreation permit.
• If you own or rent the property, a possession of property certificate(PDF, 905KB), lease or deed, valid for at least 90 days after the date of the application submission
• Guide for selling or distributing CBD products at special events(PDF, 205KB)

Application fee: $100

Licensing fee per day:

•  Malt, Vinous, and Spirituous:  $25 per day
•  3.2% beer:  $10 per day

          All credit cards are accepted except for American Express.

• The Department will review application forms and accompanying documents for accuracy and completeness. 
• The Department will determine if the premises is already licensed and, if so, whether any exclusions apply.

• The Department of Excise and Licenses will be the final approver for all special event liquor permits. We no longer send to the state for its approval.
• If the application is approved, once the posting for the special event liquor permit has been passed, the permit will be emailed to the applicant.

• The special event licensee must purchase liquor to be served and/or sold at the event only from a licensed wholesaler or a licensed retail liquor store.
• A special event liquor permit is authorized only for the benefit of the nonprofit organization or political candidate who holds the permit.  Proceeds from the event must benefit the nonprofit organization or the political candidate.
• Holders of a special event liquor permit can employ event managers to handle the event for a fee that reasonably compensates their work.  The fee cannot be the revenues from the event.
• The director can require examination of the books and records of a special event to ensure compliance with permit obligations.