This page provides information on liquor license changes and transfers for businesses in Fort Collins, including sidewalk service areas, premises modifications, location changes, ownership transfers and corporate changes.
The documents on this page are provided for printing purposes. For Digital Accessibility concerns, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.
STEP 2: Complete Questionnaire
STEP 3: Proof of Possession of Property
Provide a deed or lease. The lease must match the applicant's name (Question #2 on the DR8404).
STEP 4: Floor Plan
- 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.
STEP 5: Pay Fees
State Fee Portal: Check or money order for $75.00 payable to the "Colorado Department of Revenue"
After a license is issued, you cannot make physical changes to the licensed premises without prior approval. The Colorado Code of Regulations lists what is considered a modification of premises. (Regulation 47-302(PDF, 353KB))
STEP 2: Proof of Possession of Property
Provide a deed or lease. The lease must match the applicant's name (Question #2 on the DR8404).
STEP 3: Floor Plan
- 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.
STEP 4: Pay Fees
- 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"
STEP 5: Appearance before Municipal Judge
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
STEP 2: Complete Questionnaire
STEP 3: Proof of Possession of Property
Provide a deed or lease. The lease must match the applicant's name (Question #2 on the DR8404).
STEP 4: Floor Plan
- 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.
STEP 5: Pay Fees
- 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"
STEP 6: Appearance before Municipal Judge
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
Before moving your business to another location within the city limits, you must complete this application.
STEP 2: Proof of Possession of Property
Provide a deed or lease. The lease must match the applicant's name.
STEP 3: Floor Plan
- 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.
STEP 4: Pay Fees
- 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"
STEP 5: Petition
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.
STEP 6: Appearance before Municipal Judge
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
Changes to a licensed entity must be reported to the City Clerk's Office within thirty (30) days of any transfer, change, or conversion described in Regulation 47-304 of the Colorado Liquor Rules. These applications are approved administratively and do not require a hearing.
Entity Conversions
Any licensee that qualifies for an entity conversion pursuant to section 7-90-201, C.R.S., et. seq., or similar law enacted by other states, shall not be required to file a transfer of ownership application pursuant to section 44-3-303, C.R.S., upon statutory conversion, but shall submit a report containing suitable evidence of conversion within thirty (30) days of such conversion.
STEP 1: Report of Changes
STEP 2: Background Information
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.
Limited Liability Companies
The licensee must submit following materials for any new manager or member acquiring ten percent (10%) or more membership interest.
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.
STEP 3: Entity Documents
The following documents must be submitted with the application:
Certificate of Fact of Good Standing
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.
STEP 4: Pay Fees
The fee for the required Individual History Record and background check is $100 per person.
Payment Options
STEP 5: Secure File Transfer
Individual History Records have sensitive information. To protect your privacy, please request a secure link from staff at liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov.
You must report any changes to your establishment's trade name (the name the public sees on the outside of the premise) or corporate name changes. The State requires a fee. There is no City fee. The Regulatory Licensing Specialist approves these applications.
STEP 2: Pay Fees
State Fee Portal: State Fee - $50. Save a copy of payment receipt.
Any licensee that wants to surrender their license may do so by emailing a completed form and the State and City license to City Clerk's Office, liquorlicensing@fortcollins.gov. P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522.
STEP 1: Complete Affidavit
STEP 2: Submit Materials
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.
STEP 2: Pay Fees
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.
STEP 1: Apply
Application Options
Option 1
Non-Fermented Malt Beverage (FMB) Applicants (Hotel-Restaurant, Tavern, Retail Liquor Store, Beer and Wine, Lodging and Entertainment, Brew Pub)
Option 2
Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer (FMB-WR) Applicants
STEP 2: Complete Affidavits
STEP 3: Deed or Lease
The lease must match the applicant's name on the application, question #2.
STEP 4: Diagram of Premises
- (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.
STEP 5: Proof of Ownership
Purchase agreement, stock transfer agreement, loan documentation, promissory notes, etc.
STEP 6: Individual History Record
STEP 7: Authorization and Consent
STEP 8: Electronic Fingerprinting
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.
STEP 9: Corporate/Ownership Documents
Document 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)
STEP 10: Pay Fees
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
Occupation Tax (select 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
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
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
STEP 12: Hearing
After an application is filed, the file is reviewed and any deficiencies are reported to the applicant before the Liquor Licensing Authority considers the application. The Police Department performs background investigations and reports its findings to the Liquor Licensing Authority.
The applicant, or their representative, must be present at the hearing. You will be given the hearing date when you file your application with City Clerk's Office. The Fort Collins Liquor Licensing Authority generally meets the first Thursday of each month at 1 p.m., in Municipal Court, 215 N. Mason St., first floor.
If the application is approved by the Liquor Licensing Authority, 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 City Clerk's Office in one to two 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).