Alcohol Compliance

The regulation of alcohol sales and service is an important element in the safety of our community. Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) works to support this by providing training to licensed liquor retailers and conducting compliance checks.

Compliance checks are conducted by the FCPS Alcohol Enforcement Officer and underage FCPS Explorers. The underage Explorers will provide an expired horizontal Colorado license that belongs to someone over 21 years old. Explorers attempt to purchase alcohol from licensed retailers, and businesses that sell or serve them are notified of the violation.

Selling alcohol to people under the age of 21 is against the law. Driver’s licenses must be valid, not expired and must belong to the person who is presenting the license.

The penalties for serving an underage person include up to a $5,000 fine or 5-day liquor license suspension for the business. The server is also subject to a citation. Businesses are responsible for providing alcohol service training to staff within 60 days of a liquor hearing.

Alcohol Service Training

The majority of alcohol retailers pass compliance checks, and those who fail are given the opportunity to improve practices and prevent future violations. FCPS supports our local businesses and works to create a collaborative environment that promotes safe, responsible behavior.

To qualify as a “responsible alcohol beverage vendor” in Colorado, employees who sell or serve alcohol must be properly trained and understand responsible alcohol service practices. Managers and owners who directly supervise alcohol sales must also meet these standards. Employees must complete at least 2 hours of instruction and pass a knowledge test (70%) at the conclusion of class.

After a business becomes a responsible vendor, any new employee involved with alcohol sales or service must complete the training within 90 days of being hired.

The FCPS Alcohol Enforcement Officer provides a alcohol service training at a cost of $25 per person to all licensed liquor retailers and staff. To request training, please call970-416-2782.

2026

Resources

• Underage Drinking: Information about the risks associated with underage drinking (NIAAA)
• The Center for Family Outreach: Local organization serving Larimer County. They work to strengthen families by providing education, prevention and early intervention for substance use assessments and therapy, emotional, mental health, and wellbeing counseling, conflict resolution and healing and navigating the teen years with parent resources
• CSU Substance Abuse Prevention: Information about Colorado State University's health education and prevention services
• PSD Drug Use Prevention and Help: Poudre School District health curriculum and resources related to drug and alcohol prevention