The City of Fort Collins City Clerk's Office manages liquor licensing within the City. The team assists businesses through the license application process, issuing licenses approved administratively, by the State of Colorado and by the Local Licensing Authority.
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Liquor Special Event Permits allow qualified nonprofit entities or political candidates to sell, serve, or distribute alcoholic beverages by the drink only in connection with fundraising events, including locations that do not hold a liquor license.
To qualify, you must be a Colorado corporation for social, fraternal, patriotic, political or athletic purposes (not for profit); a regularly chartered branch, lodge or chapter of a national nonprofit organization; a regularly established religious or philanthropic institution; or a political candidate who filed required reports with the Secretary of State under Article 45, Title 1, C.R.S.
The event must be held on the date, time and location specified in the application and may not be changed. Fifteen (15) event days are allowed per calendar year and may be held separately or in any combination. If an event is canceled, the application fees and the day(s) are forfeited.
Sales must occur between the hours of 5 a.m. and midnight of the day specified for a Fermented Malt Beverage Permit; and between the hours of 7 a.m. of the day specified and 2 a.m. of the day immediately following for a Malt, Vinous and Spirituous Liquor Permit.
Step 2: Premises Documentation
Diagram of the event:
- Include the length and width of the perimeter
- Include walls, partitions, and entrances/exits
- Show where alcohol will be stored and served
- Create a separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels)
- If outside, provide descriptions of intended control (e.g., fencing, barriers, rope, etc.)
- Does not need to be to scale
Written permission to use the premises:
- Permission must go to the same organization applying for the permit
- The owner or landlord must acknowledge that alcohol will be served
Step 3: Certificate of Good Standing
Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Colorado Secretary of State within the last two years; or if not incorporated, a nonprofit charter; or if a political candidate, attach copies of reports and statements that were filed with the Secretary of State.
Search for Certificate of Good Standing
Step 4: Contract and Liability Insurance
Contract Copies
Fully executed copies of any contracts with promoters, sponsors, or advertisers in place for this event.
Liquor Liability Insurance Certificate (required if the event is on City property)
- City of Fort Collins must be "named as additional insured."
- City of Fort Collins must be the "certificate holder."
- Certificate must use the current Insurance Service Organization (ISO) form.
- Policy must cover through the event date.
- Include the event name and dates on the certificate.
Step 5: Pay Fees
Permit fees: $50 per day
Pay the Liquor Special Event Permit Fee
Online Portal
Check or Money Order
- Made out to the City of Fort Collins
- Mailed to PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522, or deliver to the City Clerk's Office at 300 Laporte Ave.
Step 6: Posting Notice
Post notice of the event.
A special event public notice poster must be:
- Posted at the event site for at least 10 days
- At least 22" wide and 26" high, with letters at least 1 inch tall
Signs can be picked up at the City Clerk's Office between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If produced by applicant, the special event public notice poster must mirror the language on form DR 8473.
Posting Notice Templates and Examples
Step 7: Complete Affidavit