New Liquor License

Approval process

• The process generally takes 2 to 3 months.
• Submit Applications to the Town Clerk (email the Town Clerk to be sent a link to a secure folder if you're sending documents that contain Personal Identifying Information (PII))
• Background investigations are performed on every officer and manager of the business.
• A hearing will be set at least 30 days after a complete application has been submitted.
• Applicant must file a Petition showing needs and desires of neighborhood (see below)
• The Town will post the hearing notice at the location and in the newspaper.
• Local approval will be sent to the State.
• Once State approval is received, all requirements have been met and a certificate of occupancy is obtained, the license will be issued.

Multiple interests

If you have ownership in another liquor license, ensure you comply with the Multiple Interest Chart.

Distance restrictions

• New Retail Liquor Stores (RLS) and Liquor Licensed Drug Stores (LLDS): Must be at least 1,500 feet from another RLS or LLDS.
• New Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer (FMB) licenses: Must be at least 500 feet from an RLS and 1,500 from an LLDS. 
• New liquor licenses must be at least 500 feet from schools operating prior to October 31, 2018 unless the school signs a waiver.
• There are no distance restrictions to schools that began operating after October 31, 2018.
• State-only issued liquor licenses do not have a distance restriction (i.e., Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries)

Apply for a liquor license

1. Complete PDF forms from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8404 - Liquor Retail License -or- DR 8403 - Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer
• DR 4679- Affidavit - Restrictions on Public Benefits - ONLY for Sole Proprietors
• DR 8404-I - Individual History Record - ONLY for:
  • all owners, partners, or members
  • the operating manager of a Hotel and Restaurant, Tavern, or Lodging and Entertainment license 
  • a registered manager of a liquor licensed drug store
• DR 8000- Manager Permit Application - ONLY for Liquor Licensed Drug Store Registered Managers
  • for Renewals, write "RENEW" at the top of the form)

2.  Attach:

• Documents required on page 2 of the application
• Copy of your Town Website Business and Tax License from the Town.
• Copy of Driver's license for all owners, partners, members, and operating managers
• Copy of TTB permit (if Brew Pub license)
• Diagram of the area to be licensed:
  • 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of Licensed Premise for all levels
  • Mark all exits
  • Include dimensions of outside walls
  • Bold outline of entire area to license, including outdoor areas
  • Mark liquor storage area
  • Mark kitchen area
• TIPS Certification for all sellers/servers (Colorado Department of Revenue list of trainers) - ONLY for Liquor Licensed Drug Store Registered Managers

3. Obtain Fingerprints - For all Owners, Partners and Members AND Registered Managers for Liquor Licensed Drug Stores

• Submit Signed Fingerprint Acknowledgement that you have read the 
  • FBI Website Privacy Act Statement and 
  • FBI Website Guiding Principles: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights
• Schedule Fingerprints at CABS Vendor Locations - MUST USE CODES BELOW
  • Choose reason as Liquor License - City of County Issued.
  • Choose IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting
  • Reason Fingerprinted - CRS 44-3-307
  • Colorado Fingerprinting - CBI Unique ID 5026LLQH
  • IdentoGO - Service Code = 25YQ6K, CBI Account CONCJ5026
    • Out of State Fingerprints - Click on the link "Submit a Fingerprint Card by Mail"

4. Pay Fees:

     Hotel & Restaurant, Tavern or Lodging & Entertainment licenses - Manager Fees

• Pay Manager Fees (unless it is one of the owners, partners or members)
  • $30 to the Town of Castle Rock: Town Payment
  • $30 to the Colorado Department of Revenue: State Payment

     Liquor Licensed Drug Stores - Registered Manager Fees

• Pay Manager Registration fees
  • $200 to the Colorado Department of Revenue - New State Payment
  • $100 to the Colorado Department of Revenue- Renew State Payment

     Application fees (see below)

• Fees to the Town of Castle Rock: Town Payment
• Fees to the Colorado Department of Revenue: State Payment

5. Complete Petition

Contact approved Petition Company and have them submit the Petition to the Town Clerk 5 days prior to the Hearing to show the needs and desires of the neighborhood that is within a one-mile radius of the business.

• Oedipus Inc., 720-663-8635, Email Oedipus
• Liquor Licensing Professionals, 719-390-8844, Email Liquor Licensing Professionals
• Esquire Petitioning Services, 303-331-8600, Email Esquire Petitioning Services
• Alcohol Petitioning Services, 303-710-3424, Email Alcohol Petitioning Services

Upon approval by the Town and the State, and confirmation of a certificate of occupancy, a license will be issued.

New application fee (includes application & license fees)

There are several other licenses not listed, as we do not currently have these in Castle Rock: Campus Liquor Complex, Distillery Pub, Optional Premise, Racetrack, Resort Complex, and Retail Gaming Tavern.

Note: Importer, Manufacturer, and Wholesaler licenses are licensed only through the State.

Manager Change

Beer and Wine, Fermented Malt Beverage, Retail Liquor Store

1.  Email to Town Clerk form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8442 Permit Application and Report of Changes

Hotel & Restaurant, Tavern, and Lodging & Entertainment

1.  Email to Town Clerk form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8442 Permit Application and Report of Changes

2.  Pay Fees

• $30 to the Town of Castle Rock: Town Payment
• $30 to the Colorado Department of Revenue: State Payment

Manager Permits and Renewals for Liquor Licensed Drugstores

Must submit directly to the State 60 days before expiration:

1.  Email to the State form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8000 Manager Permit Application
  • For Renewals - Write "RENEW" at top of form)

2.  Attach TIPS Certification for all Liquor Licensed Drug Store Registered Managers (Colorado Department of Revenue list of trainers)

3. Obtain Fingerprints for Registered Managers for Liquor Licensed Drug Stores

• Submit Signed Acknowledgement (PDF) that you have read the 
  • FBI Website Privacy Act Statement and 
  • FBI Website Guiding Principles: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights
• Schedule Fingerprints at CABS Vendor Locations - MUST USE CODES BELOW
  • Choose reason as Liquor License - City of County Issued.
  • Choose IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting
  • Reason Fingerprinted - CRS 44-3-307
  • Colorado Fingerprinting - CBI Unique ID 5026LLQH
  • IdentoGO - Service Code = 25YQ6K, CBI Account CONCJ5026
    • Out of State Fingerprints - Click on the link "Submit a Fingerprint Card by Mail"

4.  Pay Fees - State Payment

• $200 to the Colorado Department of Revenue - New Manager Registration
• $100 to the Colorado Department of Revenue - Renew Manager Registration

Change of Corporate or Trade Name

1.  Email to Town Clerk form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8442 Permit Application and Report of Changes

2.  Pay Fees

• $50 to the Colorado Department of Revenue State Payment

Corporate / LLC Change

1.  Email to Town Clerk form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8177 Report of Changes Corporation, Limited Liability Company and Partnership
• Copy of minutes reflecting the change

2. If New Officer or Member added, submit:

• DR 8404-I - Individual History Record
• Signed Acknowledgement (PDF) that you have read the Privacy Act Statement (PDF) and the Privacy Rights (PDF)
• Submit Signed Acknowledgement (PDF) that you have read the 
  • FBI Website Privacy Act Statement and 
  • FBI Website Guiding Principles: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights
• Schedule Fingerprints at CABS Vendor Locations - MUST USE CODES BELOW
  • Choose reason as Liquor License - City of County Issued.
  • Choose IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting
  • Reason Fingerprinted - CRS 44-3-307
  • Colorado Fingerprinting - CBI Unique ID 5026LLQH
  • IdentoGO - Service Code = 25YQ6K, CBI Account CONCJ5026
    • Out of State Fingerprints - Click on the link "Submit a Fingerprint Card by Mail"

3.  Pay Fees

• $100 (per new person) to the Town of Castle Rock Town Payment
• If Master file - $500 to the Colorado Department of Revenue State Payment

Location changes

Must comply with Distance Restrictions:

• New location must be within the Town of Castle Rock
• New location must be at least 500 feet from schools operation prior to October 31, 2018 unless the school signed a waiver.  Municipal Code 5.08.015
• A Retail Liquor Store licensed prior to January 1, 2016 can relocate within the State of Colorado - CRS 43-3-301(9)(C)(2)
• New location for Retail Liquor Stores (RLS) or Liquor Licensed Drug Stores (LLDS): Must be at least 1,500 feet from another RLS or LLDS - CRS 43-3-301(12)
• LLDS must purchase any RLS within 1500 feet
• New location for Fermented Malt Beverage (FMB) licenses: Must be at least 500 feet from an RLS and 1,500 from an LLDS - CRS 43-3-301(12)

1.  Email to Town Clerk form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8442 Permit Application and Report of Changes
• Lease Agreement
• Diagram
  • 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of Licensed Premise for all levels
  • Mark all exits
  • Include dimensions of outside walls
  • Bold outline of entire area to license, including outdoor areas
  • Mark liquor storage area
  • Mark kitchen area

2.  Pay Fees

• $750 to the Town of Castle Rock Town Payment
• $150 to the Colorado Department of Revenue State Payment

3.  Hearing

A public hearing date will be set at least 30 days from the date your complete application is submitted; and the new location will be posted 10 days prior to the hearing date. Applicants are responsible to ensure the notice remains posted until after the hearing.

4.  Petition

This requirement may be waived if within close vicinity of the old location.

Contact one of the approved Petition Companies below.

• They Must submit a petition and report within a one-mile radius of the business 5 days prior to the hearing.

Petition companies:

• Oedipus Inc., 303-661-0638
• Liquor Licensing Professionals, 719-390-8844, Email Liquor Licensing Professionals
• Esquire Petitioning Services, 303-331-8600, Email Esquire Petitioning Services

Upon approval by the Liquor Licensing Authority and the Colorado Department of Revenue as well as confirmation of a certificate of occupancy and compliance, a license for the new location may be issued and sales will cease at the old location.

Mailing Address Change or Personal Name Change

1.  Email to Town Clerk form from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8009 - Change of Mailing Address/Name Notification
• Attach any documents required on the application

All other changes

See State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

Special Events Liquor Permits

Special Event Liquor Permits are issued for specific dates, times and for areas indicated in the diagram only. No adjustments may be made after approval.

Approval, Denial, Revocation

Compliance with Town Code and applicable laws must be adhered to or the liquor permit and/or event can be canceled, revoked and/or denied in the future. Any issues with an event or past event, code or law violation, or code or law violation that occurred in the past can prevent the liquor permit from being approved in the future.

The local licensing authority shall cause a hearing to be held if, after investigation and upon review of the contents of any protest filed by affected persons, sufficient grounds appear to exist for denial of a permit. Any protest shall be filed by affected persons within ten days after the date of notice pursuant to section 44-5-106 (2).

The state or local licensing authority may deny the issuance of a special event permit upon the grounds that the issuance would be injurious to the public welfare because of the nature of the special event, its location within the community, or the failure of the applicant in a past special event to conduct the event in compliance with applicable laws.

Special Event Liquor Permit authorizes

• The sale of alcohol beverages at a private event by the drink
• The sale or serving of alcohol beverages to the public by the drink

A special event liquor permit will not be issued for a premise that currently holds a liquor license. Exceptions to this law are for a club, arts, limited winery or festival license.

When Permits are required

Permits are required if:

• The event is open to the public or has been publicly advertised and alcohol is being sold or given away
• Alcohol is being sold at a private event
• Admission is being charged which includes alcohol

Permits are not required for private events, invitation-only events, nor events on private property that are serving complimentary alcohol.

Important to remember

Please read State Special Event Code (PDF) for full details.

• Applicants are liable for any violations of liquor leaving the premise or outside liquor entering the premise
• Applicants are liable for any violations of underage serving or over-serving patrons
• Alcohol must be purchased from a licensed wholesaler, retail liquor store, liquor licensed drugstore, brewpub, distillery pub or vintner’s restaurant
• Donated alcohol can now be sold by the drink; it must be from a licensed wholesaler, retail liquor store, liquor licensed drugstore, brewpub, distillery pub or vintner’s restaurant
• Net profits of liquor sales after expenses must be retained by the applicant
• Sales Tax must be collected on all alcohol sales and remitted to the Town.  Contact Finance to set up an account to collect sales tax by emailing Town Tax
• Food or snacks must be available for purchase or complimentary
• Each nonprofit is limited to holding 15 events per year in Colorado
• Raffles require you to hold a bingo-raffle License, issued by the Colorado Secretary of State

Requirements of Applicants

Applicants for Special Event Liquor Permits must be one of the following:

• Nonprofit incorporated pursuant to Colorado law for purposes of a social, fraternal, patriotic, political or athletic nature
• Regularly nonprofit chartered branch, lodge or chapter of national organization or society
• Regularly established religious or philanthropic institution
• Political candidate who has filed the necessary reports
• Municipality-owned arts facilities including special districts at which productions of an artistic or cultural nature are held
• All applicants, including municipal, county or special district organizations, are limited to holding 15 events per year in the State of Colorado

Applying for a Special Event Liquor Permit

Events on private property (non-Town property)

30 Days prior to your event

1. Email Town Clerk form from the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number

• DR 8439 Special Event Permit
• Questionnaire (PDF)
• Diagram - 8 ½”x11” showing dimensions, exits, outlining boundaries, type of boundary/signs
• Contract/permission for use of premise from property owner (see below if on Town property)
• Certificate of Good Standing for Non-Profit issued by Secretary of State from Colorado Secretary of State Non-Profit Search
• Political candidates - copies of reports and statements filed with the Secretary of State or the Town
• Mobile vendors must be inspected by the Fire Department
• Contact Finance at Town Tax via email to set up sales tax collection
• Ensure you read the Special Event Code found at the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Enforcement Laws, Rules, Regulations

Events on Town / public property, streets, or facilities

30 Days prior to your event

Must also apply online for an event held on Town property or streets: Planning an event which also require:

• Insurance certificate with Town named as additional insured WITH a Liquor rider
• Police contract - email K. Torrens
• Street Closure from Public Works (if applicable) (email Roads@Crgov.com) 

Note: Events involving public property must be coordinated for street closures and traffic impacts by the Special Event Committee.

Applying for a Festival Permit - State approval

Applications are sent directly to the State and must be received at least 30 days prior to the festival.

Any on-premise, brewery, distillery or winery licensee can hold up to 9 festivals per year; and on-premise, brewery, distillery or winery licensees can participate in up to 52 festivals per year.  The application lists the licensee holding the festival and then lists any other on-premise, brewery, distillery or winery licensee that is participating in the festival.

Applications not received at least 30 Days prior to your event will be automatically denied

1. Email Department of Revenue form from the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number

• DR 8420 Alcohol Beverage Festival Permit Application
• Authorization letter or lease to use the Premise
• Diagram
• Control plan
• Copy townclerk@crgov.com

If the Event is on Town/public property, you must also apply for a permit under Planning an Event.

Tasting Permits

Retail Liquor Stores and Liquor Licensed Drug Stores

• Tasting permits are approved by the local authority, the Town of Castle Rock
• Retail liquor stores may conduct up to 104 tastings in-store, per year
• Dates must run concurrently with your license
• No more than four tastings may be scheduled in a one-week period
• Tastings may be scheduled for five hours or less between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Changes must be submitted to the Town Clerk at least 72 hours in advance

Applicable regulations and limitations are found in Chapter 2.17.110 of the Municipal Code 

1. Email Town Clerk 

• Completed tasting permit application (PDF)
• TIPS Certification for all sellers/servers - live streaming or classroom  (Colorado Department of Revenue list of trainers)
• Tasting schedule including dates and times

Transfer Liquor License

Process

• Submit Applications to the Town Clerk (email the Town Clerk to be sent a link to a secure folder if you're sending documents that contain Personal Identifying Information (PII))
• Background investigations are performed on every officer and manager of the business.
• A Temporary License can be issued once all requirements are submitted and approved locally. Local approval generally takes three business days and is then sent to the State.
• Once State approval is received, all requirements have been met and a certificate of occupancy is obtained, the license will be issued.

Multiple Interests

If you have ownership in another liquor license, ensure you comply with the Multiple Interest Chart Restrictions.

Apply for a Transfer of a Liquor License

1. Complete PDF forms from the State Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number:

• DR 8404 — Liquor Retail License or DR 8403 - Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer
• DR 8004 —  Wholesaler Affidavit of Compliance (for each vendor the previous license purchased liquor from to verify there are no outstanding debts)
• DR 4679- Affidavit —  Restrictions on Public Benefits - ONLY for Sole Proprietors
• DR 8404-I —  Individual History Record, only for:
  • all owners, partners, or members
  • the operating manager of a Hotel and Restaurant, Tavern, or Lodging and Entertainment license 
  • a registered manager of a Liquor Licensed Drug Store
• DR 8000 —  Registered Manager Permit Application only for Liquor Licensed Drug Store Registered Managers

2.  Attach:

• Documents required on page 2 of the application
• Application for Temporary Liquor Permit for Transfer of Ownership (PDF) ($100 fee)
• Copy of your Town Business and Tax License from the Town.
• Copy of Driver's license for all owners, partners, members, and operating managers
• Copy of TTB permit (if Brew Pub license)
• Diagram of the area to be licensed:
  • 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of Licensed Premise for all levels
  • Mark all exits
  • Include dimensions of outside walls
  • Bold outline of entire area to license, including outdoor areas
  • Mark liquor storage area
  • Mark kitchen area
• TIPS Certification for all sellers/servers (Colorado Department of Revenue list of trainers) - ONLY for Liquor Licensed Drug Store Registered Managers

3. Obtain Fingerprints for all owners, partners and members and registered managers for liquor-licensed drug stores

• Submit Signed Acknowledgement (PDF) that you have read the 
  • FBI Website Privacy Act Statement and 
  • FBI Website Guiding Principles: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights
• Schedule Fingerprints at CABS Vendor Locations - MUST USE CODES BELOW
  • Choose reason as Liquor License: City of County Issued.
  • Choose IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting
  • Reason Fingerprinted: CRS 44-3-307
  • Colorado Fingerprinting: CBI Unique ID 5026LLQH
  • IdentoGO - Service Code = 25YQ6K, CBI Account CONCJ5026
    • Out of State Fingerprints: Click on the link "Submit a Fingerprint Card by Mail"

• Master files

  If this is a Master File (same owners for multiple locations), submit a letter from the State that confirms your Master File. If you have a Master File and have already submitted fingerprints to the State, you do not need to submit fingerprints or the fingerprint fee to the Town Clerk's Office.

4. Pay Fees:

     Temporary License

• $100 to the Town of Castle Rock:   Town Payment

     Hotel & Restaurant, Tavern or Lodging & Entertainment licenses - Manager Fees

• Pay Manager Fees (unless it is one of the owners, partners or members)
  • $30 to the Town of Castle Rock: Town Payment
  • $30 to the Colorado Department of Revenue: State Payment

     Liquor Licensed Drug Stores - Registered Manager Fees

• Pay Manager Registration fees - may pay online State Payment
  • $200 to the Colorado Department of Revenue - New Manager Registration
  • $100 to the Colorado Department of Revenue- Renew Manager Registration

     Application fees (see below)

• Fees to the Town of Castle Rock: Town Payment
• Fees to the Colorado Department of Revenue: State Payment

Upon approval by the Town and the State, and confirmation of a certificate of occupancy, a license will be issued.

Transfer application fee (includes application & license fees)

There are several other licenses not listed, as we do not currently have these in Castle Rock: Campus Liquor Complex, Distillery Pub, Optional Premise, Racetrack, Resort Complex, and Retail Gaming Tavern.

Note: Importer, Manufacturer, and Wholesaler licenses are licensed only through the State.

On-Premise To Go Alcohol and Alcohol Delivery

Restaurant, Tavern, Beer and Wine, Lodging and Entertainment Licenses

All eligible on-premises licensees wishing to sell and deliver an alcohol beverage, or to allow a customer to remove an alcohol beverage from its licensed premises, must hold a valid takeout and delivery permit. 

Must Apply with the State:

1.  Obtain a Registration ID:  Email the Department of Revenue

2.  Complete the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number

• DR 8496 Takeout and Delivery Permit Application and Renewal for On-Premises Retailers

3.  Pay Fee

• $11 to the Colorado Department of Revenue:  State Payment

4.  Email application:  Email the Department of Revenue

Volume Limits

Under subsection 44-3-911(2)(b)(III), C.R.S., takeout and delivery permittees may sell or deliver up to the following amounts of alcohol beverages per take out or delivery order:

• Vinous liquors - 1,500 ml or 50.8 fl oz per order (one magnum sized wine bottle or two standard bottles)
• Mal liquors, fermented malt beverages, and hard cider - 4.259 ml or 144 fl oz per order (two six packs of beer); and
• Spirituous liquors - 1L or 33.8 fl oz per order (750 ml bottle of spirits)

Gross Annual Revenue

Under subsection 44-3-911(2)(c), CRS, a licensee holding a takeout and delivery permit may not derive more than 50% of its gross annual revenue from total food and alcohol beverage sales from the sale of alcohol beverages through takeout and delivery orders.

Requirements outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes CRS 44-3-911 and State Regulation 47-1101 found at the Colorado Department of Revenue Laws, Rules and Regulations

Delivery Permits

Retail Liquor Stores, Liquor Licensed Drug Stores, Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer Licenses

Must Apply with the State:

1.  Obtain a Registration ID: Email the Department of Revenue

2.  Complete the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number

• DR 8497 Delivery Permit Application and Renewal for Off-Premises Retailers
• Answer "no" to the question if the Town has a local permit process.

4.  Email Application:  Email the Department of Revenue

Requirements outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes CRS 44-3-409(3) and State Regulation 47-426 found at the Colorado Department of Revenue Laws, Rules and Regulations

Modification of Premise 

This is to allow an establishment to expand or alter their premise permanently (making inside or inside changes) or temporarily (like a summer outdoor patio)

Apply with the Town Clerk:

1. Complete the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Forms by Number

• DR 8442 Permit Application and Report of Changes
• Choose if it is a Permanent Modification; or if it is a Temporary Modification, include all dates within your licensed year

2. Attach an 8 1/2" x 11" Diagram 

• Bold outline of entire area to license, including any outdoor areas
  • Mark all exits
  • Include dimensions of outside walls
  • Mark liquor storage area
  • Mark kitchen area

3.  Attach Permission or Amended lease agreement if changing the boundary of your premise