Liquor License Changes and Transfers

Complete and submit the Permit Application and Report of Changes (DR 8442).

Complete the Sidewalk Service Area Questionnaire(PDF, 948KB).

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

• Provide two floor diagrams (8½" x 11")
  • (1) building premises (inside)
  • (2) building premises with proposed Sidewalk Service Area
  • NOTE: Diagrams MUST be legible
• Show exact representation of the licensed premises
• Include length and width of exterior walls only
• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage
• Show north orientation
• Create separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
• Diagrams do not need to be to scale
• Show exterior areas with type of fencing, walls, etc.

State Fee Portal: Check or money order for $75.00 payable to the "Colorado Department of Revenue"

Complete and submit the Permit Application and Report of Changes (DR 8442).

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

• Provide two floor diagrams (8½" x 11")
  • (1) building premises (inside)
  • (2) building premises with proposed Sidewalk Service Area
  • NOTE: Diagrams MUST be legible
• Show exact representation of the licensed premises
• Include length and width of exterior walls only
• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage
• Show north orientation
• Create separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
• Diagrams do not need to be to scale
• Show exterior areas with type of fencing, walls, etc.

• City Fee Portal: Check or money order for $75 payable to the "City of Fort Collins"
• State Fee Portal: Check or money order for $150 payable to the "Colorado Department of Revenue"

The Municipal Judge acts as the Liquor Licensing Authority. Hearings are held twice a month at 215 N. Mason (first floor).

View Courtroom Rules and Decorum

Complete and submit the Permit Application and Report of Changes (DR 8442).

Complete the Temporary Modification Questionnaire(PDF, 285KB).

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

• Provide two floor diagrams (8½" x 11")
  • (1) building premises (inside)
  • (2) building premises with proposed Sidewalk Service Area
  • NOTE: Diagrams MUST be legible
• Show exact representation of the licensed premises
• Include length and width of exterior walls only
• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage
• Show north orientation
• Create separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
• Diagrams do not need to be to scale
• Show exterior areas with type of fencing, walls, etc.

• City Fee Portal: Check or money order for $150 payable to the "City of Fort Collins"
• State Fee Portal: Check or money order for $300 payable to the "Colorado Department of Revenue"

The Municipal Judge acts as the Liquor Licensing Authority. Hearings are held twice a month at 215 N. Mason (first floor).

View Courtroom Rules and Decorum

Complete and submit the Permit Application and Report of Changes (DR 8442).

Provide a deed or lease. The lease must match the applicant's name.

• Provide two floor diagrams (8½" x 11")
  • (1) building premises (inside)
  • (2) building premises with proposed Sidewalk Service Area
  • NOTE: Diagrams MUST be legible
• Show exact representation of the licensed premises
• Include length and width of exterior walls only
• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage
• Show north orientation
• Create separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
• Diagrams do not need to be to scale
• Show exterior areas with type of fencing, walls, etc.

• City Fee Portal: Check or money order for $400 payable to the "City of Fort Collins"
• State Fee Portal: Check or money order for $150 payable to the "Colorado Department of Revenue"

You must present evidence to the Liquor Licensing Authority that shows the need for the license in the neighborhood. This is typically done by petitioning the neighborhood. These petitions show support (or lack of support) for issuing a license. You can start petitioning after the City provides you with the neighborhood boundaries. You may conduct a petition survey yourself or hire a professional survey firm. Submit petitions to City Clerk's Office at least 10 days before the hearing date.

The Municipal Judge acts as the Liquor Licensing Authority. Hearings are held twice a month at 215 N. Mason (first floor).

View Courtroom Rules and Decorum

Complete the following form: Report of Changes Corporation, Limited Liability Company and Partnership (DR 8177).

Corporations
The licensee must submit the following materials for any new officer, director, or stockholder who acquires ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding capital stock, along with the corporate minutes verifying the transaction.

• Individual History Record(PDF, 396KB) (DR 8404-I)
• Authorization and Consent Form(PDF, 167KB)
• Fingerprint Background Check

Limited Liability Companies
The licensee must submit following materials for any new manager or member acquiring ten percent (10%) or more membership interest.

• Individual History Record(PDF, 396KB) (DR 8404-I)
• Authorization and Consent Form(PDF, 167KB)
• Fingerprint Background Check

Partnerships
The licensee must submit following materials for any new general or managing partner, or any other partner holding ten percent (10%) or more partnership interest.

• Individual History Record(PDF, 396KB) (DR 8404-I)
• Authorization and Consent Form(PDF, 167KB)

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

Certificate of Fact of Good Standing 

• Can be attained from from the Secretary of State's Office's Business Database.

Entity Structure and Ownership Disclosure(PDF, 981KB)

• Attach the fully executed documents approving the change in the entity, including, but not limited to, corporate minutes, letters of resignation, or amended operating agreements.

The fee for the required Individual History Record and background check is $100 per person.

Payment Options

• Pay online at the City's Pay Portal
• Pay by check or money order
  • Address to "City of Fort Collins" at the City Clerk's Office, located in City Hall at 300 Laporte Ave.
  • Mail to the City Clerk's Office at the following address:
    
    City Clerk's Office
    PO Box 580
    Fort Collins, CO 80522

  Include the proof of payment with your application.

Individual History Records have sensitive information. To protect your privacy, please request a secure link from staff at liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov.

Complete and submit the Permit Application and Report of Changes (DR 8442).

State Fee Portal: State Fee - $50. Save a copy of payment receipt.

Send application and payment receipt to liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov.

Complete the Change Of Mailing Address/Name Notification (DR 8009) form.

Send application to liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov.

Complete the Affidavit for Surrender of State Liquor License.

Email completed form and the State and City license to City Clerk's Office, liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov. P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522.

Complete and submit the Permit Application and Report of Changes (DR 8442).

Pay the State fee online at the State Fee Portal:

• Manager's Registration (Hotel & Restaurant) - $30
• Manager's Registration (Tavern) - $30
• Manager's Registration (Lodging Facility) - $30
• Manager's Registration (Entertainment Facility) - $30
• Change of Manager (Other Licenses pursuant to section 44-3-301(8), C.R.S.) - No Fee

Save a copy of payment receipt.

Email the completed application and State Fee receipt to liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov.

Application Options

Option 1

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

• Complete the Colorado Liquor Retail License Application (DR8404)

Option 2

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

• Complete the Colorado FMB-WR License Application (DR8403)

• Wholesaler Affidavit of Compliance
• Affidavit of Transfer(PDF, 431KB)

The lease must match the applicant's name on the application, question #2.

• (8½" x 11" only)
• Must be an exact representation of the licensed premise
• Include length and width of exterior walls only
• Include bars, walls, partitions, entrances/exits, storage
• Show north orientation
• Create separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
• Diagrams do not need to be to scale
• Show exterior areas with type of fencing, walls, etc.

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

Complete the Individual History Record form (DR 8404-I).

Complete the Authorization and Consent Form(PDF, 167KB).

You can use either of the sites listed below:

• coloradofingerprinting.com: Set up an account to schedule an appointment. Use 6192LLQH as the CBI unique ID.
• uenroll.identogo.com: Enter code 25YQ6K on the first screen, then click on schedule or manage appointment and follow the instructions. The unique CBI code for this business is CONCJ6192.

Required

All applicants must submit an Entity and Ownership Disclosure.

Entity and Ownership Disclosure(PDF, 419KB)

Other Requirements by Business Type

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 (required if OTHER than sole member LLC or husband and wife LLC)

Temporary Permit Application(PDF, 375KB)

Applicants may apply for a temporary permit to continue service under the existing license type while the transfer application is being processed by the State and Local Licensing Authority. The initial temporary permit is valid for 120 days.

Fee Structure

Non-Fermented Malt Beverage (FMB) Applicants

City Fees

Check or money order payable to "City of Fort Collins" or pay via City Payment Portal.

Application Fee:

• Transfer Fee: $400
• Temporary Permit: $100

License Fee (select license class): 

• Hotel-Restaurant: $75
• Lodging and Entertainment: $75
• Tavern: $75
• Brew Pub: $75
• Retail Liquor Store: $22.50
• Beer and Wine: $48.75
• Club: $41.25

Liquor Occupation Tax:

Liquor License transfers also include the transfer of the Liquor Occupation Tax (view fees below). Contact Sales Tax for questions about the Liquor Occupation Tax.

Liquor Occupation Tax Fee Schedule: 

• Arts License: $150
• Beer and Wine License: $800
• Brew Pub License: $1,600
• Club License: $800
• Distillery Pub License: $1,600
• Drugstore License: $750
• Fermented Malt Beverage License: $750
• Hotel and Restaurant License: $1,600
• Lodging and Entertainment License: $1,600
• Optional Premises License: $1,600
• Retail Liquor Store License: $750
• Tavern License: $1,600
• Vintner’s Restaurant License: $1,600

State Fees

Check or money order payable to "Colorado Department of Revenue" or pay via State Payment Portal.

Transfer Fee: $1,550

License Fee (select license class):

• Hotel-Restaurant: $500
• Lodging and Entertainment: $500
• Tavern: $500
• Brew Pub: $750
• Retail Liquor Store: $227.50
• Beer and Wine: $351.25
• Club: $308.75

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

City Fees

Check or money order payable to "City of Fort Collins" or pay via City Payment Portal.

Application Fee:

• Transfer Fee: $400
•  Temporary Permit: $100

License Fee:

• Fermented Malt Beverage: $3.75

Liquor Occupation Tax:

Liquor License transfers also include the transfer of the Liquor Occupation Tax (view fees below). Contact Sales Tax for questions about the Liquor Occupation Tax.

• Fermented Malt Beverage: $750

State Fees

Check or money order payable to "Colorado Department of Revenue" or pay via State Payment Portal:

Transfer Fee: $1,550

License Fee:

• Fermented and Malt Beverage: $96.25

Request a secure link to submit your application from liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov.

After a complete application and applicable fees are submitted, the City Clerk's Office reviews the file for deficiencies and notifies the applicant of any issues prior to the Liquor Licensing Authority's consideration. The Police Department conducts a background investigation and reports its findings to the Authority.

Once the application is deemed complete, the City Clerk's Office will notify the applicant of their assigned hearing date. The applicant, or an authorized representative, must be present at the hearing. The Fort Collins Liquor Licensing Authority meets virtually via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.

If the Authority approves the application, the City Clerk's Office forwards it to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor Enforcement Division, for review and approval. State processing typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the application type. Once the State license is received, the City Clerk's Office prepares the City of Fort Collins license. Both licenses are issued to the applicant upon completion of all required inspections and payment of the occupation tax, if applicable.