Application#

OPTION 1

Non- Fermented Malt Beverage Applicants (Hotel-Restaurant, Tavern, Retail Liquor Store, Beer and Wine, Lodging and Entertainment, Brew Pub)

• Please complete the Colorado Liquor Retail License Application (DR8404).

• View Checklist

• Tax Check Authorization Waiver Form 

OPTION 2

Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer (FMB-WR) Applicants

• Please complete the FMB-WR License Application (DR8403).

• View Checklist

• Tax Check Authorization Waiver Form

Proof of Possession of Property#

Deed (or) Lease. The lease must match the applicant’s name (Question #2 on the DR8404).

Floor Plan#

• Floor diagram of premises (8½" x 11" only). 

• Must be an exact representation of the licensed premise. 

• Include length and width of exterior and interior walls. (Exterior areas must show type of fencing, walls, etc.) 

• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage (indicate where alcohol will be stored). 

• Show North orientation. 

• Separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels). 

• Need not be to scale. 

Financial Documents#

Purchase agreement, stock transfer agreement, loan documentation, promissory notes, etc. 

Background Information#

• Individual History Record DR8404I 

• Criminal History Disclosure 

• Fingerprinting Instructions (Liquor Applicants Only) 

• Authorization and Consent Form 

Corporate & Ownership Documents#

• S‐Corporations:

  • Certificate of Good Standing dated within last two years.

  • Articles of Organization. 

• Partnership Documents:

  • Attach partnership agreement (except for husband‐wife partnerships).

  • Attach Certificate of co‐partnership (if applicable). 

• Limited Liability Company Documents:

  • Attach Certificate of Good Standing dated within last two years.

  • Attach Articles of Organization (acknowledged by Secretary of State).

  • Attach copy of Operating Agreement. 

Make an Appointment#

Book an appointment with our office.

Petition#

• It is the responsibility of the applicant for a new license to present sufficient evidence to the Liquor Licensing Authority that indicates the need for the license in the respective neighborhood.    

• This is typically done by petitioning the neighborhood.  

• These petitions indicate support (or lack thereof) for issuance of a license.     

• Petitioning may begin after the City has provided you with the neighborhood boundaries.    

• Applicants may conduct a petition survey themselves or may contract with a professional surveyfirm.  

• Petitions must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. 

• See Petition Guidelines for more details.

Pay Fees#

Non-Fermented Malt Beverage Applicants (Hotel-Restaurant, Tavern, Retail Liquor Store, Beer and Wine, Lodging and Entertainment, Brew Pub)

City Fees

• Payable via check to "City of Fort Collins", money order or via City Fee Portal.

• Application Fee
  • New License: $500.00
• License Fee (pick your license class)
  • Hotel‐Restaurant: $75.00
  • Tavern: $75.00
  • Brew Pub: $75.00
  • Retail Liquor Store: $22.50 
  • Beer and Wine: $48.75 
  • Club: $41.25
  • Lodging and Entertainment: $75.00
• Occupation Tax (pick your license class)
  • Hotel-Restaurant $1600
  • Beer and Wine $800
  • Tavern $1600
  • Drugstore $750
  • Brew Pub $1600
  • Club $800
  • Retail Liquor Store $750
  • Lodging and Entertainment $1600 

Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer (FMB-WR) Applicants

City Fees

• Payable via check to "City of Fort Collins", money order or via City Fee Portal.

• Application Fee
  • New License: $500.00
• License Fee (pick your license class)
  • Fermented Malt Beverage: $3.75
• Occupation Tax (pick your license class)
  • Hotel-Restaurant $1600
  • Beer and Wine $800
  • Tavern $1600
  • Drugstore $750
  • Brew Pub $1600
  • Club $800
  • Retail Liquor Store $750
  • Lodging and Entertainment $1600 

Hearing#

Note: Petitions must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at least 10 days prior to the hearing date.

• After an application is filed:

  • The file is reviewed.

  • Any deficiencies are reported to the applicant prior to the consideration of the application by the Liquor Licensing Authority.

  • The Police Department performs background investigations and reports its findings to the Liquor Licensing Authority. 

• The applicant, or his/her representative, must be present at the hearing.

  • You will be given the hearing date at the time of filing your application with the City Clerk’s Office.

    • Note: The Fort Collins Liquor Licensing Authority generally meets the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m., in Municipal Court, 215 North Mason Street, 1st floor.  

• If the application is approved by the Liquor Licensing Authority:

  • The City Clerk’s Office will forward the application to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor Licensing Division for review and approval.

  • Typically, the State will process the application and mail the State’s liquor license to the City Clerk’s Office in 1-2 months.

  • The City of Fort Collins license is then prepared, and both licenses are issued to the applicant once all inspections are complete and occupation tax is paid (if applicable).