Liquor Licensing
Liquor licensing in Colorado is a dual licensure, requiring both the City and the State to approve a liquor license application for a liquor license to be granted. The Local Liquor Licensing Authority for the City of Lone Tree is the City Clerk.
Applying for a new Liquor License
Overview
To apply for a new liquor license, you will need to submit the following:
- Any required supplemental documentation
- Follow the checklist on the second page of the application to determine required supplemental documentation
- Appropriate city and state fees. See the city fee schedule, and submit a fee payment.
- Answers to liquor training questions
Next Steps:
Once an application is received, the City Clerk’s Office, serving as the Local Licensing Authority, will review the application and require petitioning within a one-mile radius of the proposed location to assess the needs and desires of the neighborhood. The City Clerk’s Office will then determine whether to approve or deny the liquor. If approved, the application will be forwarded to the State for their review and approval or denial.
A new liquor license generally takes 3-4 months for final approval from both the city and the state. The applicant can pay to have the application concurrently reviewed, meaning the city and state review the application at the same time. Final approval generally takes 2-3 months with concurrent review.
License Renewals
Renewals
Liquor licenses are valid for one year from the date of the approval by the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division and must be renewed each year. Approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license, you should receive a renewal application from the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division. Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license, a reminder letter or email will be sent to you from the City Clerk’s Office. Completed renewal applications must be accompanied by both city and state fees and submitted, no later than 45 days, before the license expires to the City Clerk’s Office for processing.
To complete your renewal, you will need to submit the following:
- Check made out to the City of Lone Tree (Lone Tree Fee Schedule)
- Check made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue (State Fee Schedule)
If you need more room to fully answer a question on the form, please attach a separate sheet of paper to your renewal.
The time it takes for a renewal to be approved and a renewed license to be issued varies because both the city and state must review and approve the renewal application. Generally, it takes 5-6 weeks to renew a license.
Liquor Licensing Fingerprinting
If you are required to get your fingerprints taken for a background check related to your liquor license, please consult the instructions linked below. When setting your appointment, ensure that you enter the correct service code so your background check is routed to the City properly.
Special Event Liquor Permits
If you are seeking to have liquor at your event, you will need a special event liquor permit. To apply for a liquor permit, please fill out and submit the special events liquor permit application found at the link below.
The City of Lone Tree encourages all liquor license holders to regularly train their staff and managers on liquor laws and best practices by incorporating seller/server training into their business model. This training can range from basic training to the more advanced responsible vendor training. It is crucial to stay knowledgeable about the safe selling and serving of alcohol.
Tasting Permits
A retail liquor store that wishes to conduct tastings shall submit an application for a tastings permit to the City, acting as the local licensing authority.
Responsible Vendor Training
In some instances, Responsible Vendor training is required for licensees and their staff. If a licensee has failed a compliance check and must complete staff training, it is generally responsible vendor training. Responsible Vendor training standards are established by the State Liquor Enforcement Division, and this training must be live (no recordings).