Liquor License Applications

Option 1: Non-Fermented Malt Beverage Applicants

For Hotel-Restaurant, Tavern, Retail Liquor Store, Beer and Wine, Lodging and Entertainment and Brew Pub licenses:

• Colorado Liquor Retail License Application DR 8404
• Tax Check Authorization Waiver Form DR 8495

Option 2: Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer (FMB-WR) Applicants

• FMB-WR License Application DR 8403
• Tax Check Authorization Waiver Form DR 8495
  

Provide a deed or lease. The lease must match the applicant's name (Question #2 on the DR8404).

• Floor diagram of premises (8½" x 11" only)
• Must show the exact licensed premise
• Include length and width of exterior and interior walls (show type of fencing, walls, etc. for exterior areas)
• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage (show where alcohol will be stored)
• Show North direction
• Create separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
• Does not need to be to scale

Provide purchase agreement, stock transfer agreement, loan documentation, promissory notes, etc.

• Individual History Record DR8404I
• Criminal History Disclosure(PDF, 262KB)
• Fingerprinting Instructions(PDF, 672KB)
• Authorization and Consent Form(PDF, 167KB)

S-Corporations:

• Certificate of Good Standing dated within last two years
• Articles of Organization

Partnership Documents:

• Partnership agreement (except for husband-wife partnerships)
• Certificate of co-partnership (if applicable)

Limited Liability Company Documents:

• Certificate of Good Standing dated within last two years
• Articles of Organization (acknowledged by Secretary of State)
• Copy of Operating Agreement

Contact liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov or 970-221-6515.

• You must present enough evidence to the Liquor Licensing Authority that shows the need for the license in your neighborhood
• This is usually done by petitioning the neighborhood
• These petitions show support (or lack of support) for issuing a license
• You can start petitioning after the City gives you the neighborhood boundaries
• You can do the petition survey yourself or hire a professional survey firm
• Submit petitions to the City Clerk's Office at least 10 days before the hearing date
• Petition Guidelines(PDF, 407KB)

Non-Fermented Malt Beverage Applicants

Pay by 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: $1,600
• Beer and Wine: $800
• Tavern: $1,600
• Drugstore: $750
• Brew Pub: $1,600
• Club: $800
• Retail Liquor Store: $750
• Lodging and Entertainment: $1,600

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

Pay by check to "City of Fort Collins", money order or via City Fee Portal.

Application Fee

• New License: $500.00

License Fee

• Fermented Malt Beverage: $3.75

Occupation Tax (same rates as above)

Important: Submit petitions to the City Clerk's Office at least 10 days before the hearing date.

After you file an application:

• The file is reviewed
• Any problems are reported to you before the Liquor Licensing Authority considers the application
• The Police Department does background checks and reports findings to the Liquor Licensing Authority
• You or your representative must attend the hearing. You will get the hearing date when you file your application with the City Clerk's Office.
• Note: The Fort Collins Liquor Licensing Authority usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda posted in the Documents and Resources section has links to the meeting.

If the Liquor Licensing Authority approves your application:

• The City Clerk's Office sends the application to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor Licensing Division for review and approval
• Usually, the State processes the application and mails 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 given to you once all inspections are complete and occupation tax is paid (if applicable)

State Renewal Application and Tax Check Authorization DR 8400

NOTE: Save a copy of your payment receipts

State Fees

Pay State Fees

As of July 1, 2024, a $250 annual renewal application fee applies to all renewals.

*Plus $100.00 for each optional premise

City Fees

Pay City Fees

State Renewal for Takeout and Delivery Permit DR 8496

You can complete this online and send it directly to the State.

State Online Pay Portal (the fee is $11)

Convert all documents to PDF; we cannot accept any other file types.

Email completed documents to liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov with your business name in the subject line:

• State Renewal Application
• Tax Check Waiver Authorization Form
• State Fee Receipt
• City Fee Receipt unchanged