This guide walks you through every step, explains costs, and outlines compliance rules so you can open your doors with confidence.
Note: Certification Experts does not issue liquor licenses as these come from the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division (LED) and your local authority. However, we do offer Colorado Alcohol Awareness Training to help your team serve responsibly and stay compliant.
| License Type |
Primary Use |
State Application Fee (Approx.) |
| Hotel & Restaurant |
Full bar in restaurants/hotels |
$1,550 |
| Tavern |
Primarily alcohol sales |
$1,550 |
| Beer & Wine |
Limited to beer and wine sales |
$1,050 |
| Retail Liquor Store |
Package liquor sales |
$1,550 |
| Brew Pub |
Brew and sell beer on-site |
$1,550 |
| Distillery Pub |
Produce and sell spirits |
$1,550 |
Tip: Local fees can equal or exceed state fees. Always confirm with your city or county before budgeting.
Match your business model to the correct license because choosing wrong can delay approval.
Submit your application to your city or county licensing office. This stage often includes:
- Background checks for owners/managers
- Public notice requirements (posting on premises and publishing in a newspaper)
- A public hearing before the licensing board
If approved locally, your application is sent to the
Colorado LED.
The LED reviews your application for compliance with state laws and regulations. You may need to provide:
- Detailed floor plans
- Proof of possession of premises (lease or deed)
- Corporate or LLC documents
State fees are due upon application; local fees are typically paid at the time of local submission.
Before your license is issued, you must pass local and possibly state inspections to ensure compliance.
Colorado law requires that you
obtain local approval first (city or county) and then submit your application for
state approval through the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division. Your business cannot legally sell or serve alcohol until you have both approvals.
- Step 1: Apply to your local licensing authority (city council, county board, or licensing board).
- Step 2: Once approved locally, your application is forwarded to the state LED for review and issuance.
Securing your license is only the beginning. Colorado enforces strict rules:
-
Alcohol cannot be sold to minors under any circumstances.
-
Businesses may be liable under Colorado Dram Shop Laws for overserving intoxicated customers.
-
Inspections and undercover compliance checks are routine.
-
Licenses must be renewed annually and displayed publicly.
One of the most important but often overlooked steps is ensuring that all
employees are trained in responsible alcohol service.
While Colorado does not mandate alcohol server training at the state level, many municipalities, insurers, and employers require or encourage staff to complete
Responsible Vendor Programs (RVP) like the one we offer.
The
Colorado Alcohol Awareness Training is a quick, state-compliant program designed to:
- Reduce liability risks
- Improve staff confidence in ID checking and refusal of service
- Show regulators you take compliance seriously
The benefits of certification include reduced liability, better customer service, and sometimes lower insurance premiums. Certification is also a valuable credential for job seekers in the hospitality industry.
- Navigating State and Local Regulations: The dual-level application process can be confusing, as businesses must apply through both local municipalities and the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Enforcement Division (LED).
- Choosing the Correct License Type: With a wide range of license types—from Tavern to Brew Pub to Limited Winery—many business owners struggle to select the right one.
- Meeting Legal Requirements: The documentation, public notices, and sometimes public hearings required by cities and counties can delay applications.
- Costs and Budgeting: Many entrepreneurs underestimate the total cost of obtaining and maintaining a liquor license due to both local and state fees.
- Employee Compliance and Training: Business owners may not realize that their staff needs alcohol service training even after the business itself is licensed.
- Lack of Transparency in the Process: There is limited guidance on what to expect post-application, including potential inspections or required modifications.
- Risk of License Revocation: Infractions such as serving minors or overserving can lead to license suspension, creating operational and legal risks.
- Start early — the process can take 3–6 months
- Hire an attorney or licensing consultant if unsure about requirements
- Keep detailed documentation for all parts of your application
- Engage your community — public support can help at hearings
- Must be 21 or older to hold a license
- Employees 18–20 may serve alcohol in certain establishments but cannot mix or serve spirits in bars
- Dram Shop laws apply — you can be held liable for serving intoxicated patrons
- Maintain records for all alcohol purchases
- How long does it take to get a Colorado liquor license?
Typically 90–180 days depending on local and state review times.
- Can I serve alcohol before getting my license?
No. Serving without a license is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.
- Do I need server training for my staff?
While not required statewide, it’s often mandated locally or by employers.
Opening or managing a bar, restaurant, or liquor-selling business in Colorado is exciting but requires diligence. From selecting the right license to navigating state and local approvals, the process can feel like a maze. But with proper planning, the right resources, and trained staff, you can launch and run your alcohol-serving business responsibly and successfully.
Remember: The liquor license allows your business to operate legally,
but your team also needs to be trained and certified to sell or serve alcohol. That’s where we can help.
Get your team ready to serve responsibly, enroll now in
Colorado Alcohol Awareness Training and protect your business from costly compliance mistakes.
