Liquor Licensing

Boulder Beverage Licensing Authority

The City of Boulder Beverage Licensing Authority (the "Authority") hears and rules upon applications for licenses for the sale of fermented malt beverages and liquor. The Authority can suspend or revoke such licenses for cause.

The Authority holds its hearings on the third Wednesday of each month starting at 3:00 p.m. at 1777 Broadway, 2nd floor, City Council Chambers. The Authority consists of five members appointed by City Council, each to a five-year term.

Our intention is to provide the Beverage Licensing Authority Agenda on the Friday prior to the meeting. However, due to any unforeseen technical difficulties this may not occur prior to the close of business on Friday by 5:00 p.m.

Hearing Packet

Hearing Agenda: [May 15, 2013]

Entire Hearing Packet: [May 15, 2013]

For Applicant/Licensee and Neighborhood Written Letters for or against Applications, Public Participation at hearings, and Submittal of Door to Door Petition results [Petition Information]:

For May 15, 2013 Hearing:

*for Agenda Item 6: Trader Joe’s #301, new 3.2% Beer liquor license at 1906 28^th Street- Petition forms created and linked here for Applicant/Licensee and Neighborhood petitioning in favor or in opposition to application,

*for Agenda Item 8: Under the Sun Eatery & Taphouse, permanent modification to add patio to Hotel-Restaurant liquor llicense at 627 S. Broadway, Suite A - Petition forms created and linked here for Applicant/Licensee and Neighborhood petitioning in favor or in opposition to application,

*for Agenda Item 9: BRU Handbuilt Ales and Eats, new Brew Pub liquor llicense at 5290 Arapahoe Ave., Unit I- Petition forms created and linked here for Applicant/Licensee and Neighborhood petitioning in favor or in opposition to application

Please Note that written and in-person public comment may be given at the hearing by the applicant and residents and business manager and owners from the designated neighborhood, and that door to door petition results using the petition forms included in the above hearing items may be submitted by persons who wish to petition for or against such applications with signatures obtained going door to door in the designated neighborhood.

Licensing Process

Know First

·                     Obtaining a liquor license in the City of Boulder is a privilege, and not a right.

·                     Licenses are issued by "dual" licensing authorities.

·                     All applications are submitted to the local authority and must be approved before being forwarded to the State Liquor Enforcement Division.

How Long Does it Take

The liquor license process generally takes three to four months or longer to complete. Therefore, you must communicate with the Licensing Clerk far in advance of your opening date. Failure to file applications in a timely manner will most likely result in a delay.

Decision Guidelines

New licenses are granted based upon demonstration that the surrounding neighborhood "needs and desires" the issuance of a new license and that the moral character of the applicant is acceptable to the local and state licensing authorities. Transfer of Ownership licenses are granted based upon the moral character of the applicant. Permanent Modifications are granted based upon the neighborhood “needs and desires” for the proposed change to the licensed premise.

Who Can Get a License

·                  Colorado liquor and beer licenses may be issued in the name of natural persons, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Applicants and other persons involved with partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies, must be at least 21 years of age. Persons under 21 may be involved with an established trust as long as the trustee is at least 21 and the person under 21 cannot benefit from the trust until that person reaches the age of 21.

·                     All corporations and limited liability companies must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State's Office and authorized to do business. Foreign corporations and foreign limited liability companies must also register with the Secretary of State and be authorized to do business in Colorado.

·                     Applicants do not have to be a United States citizen or a Colorado resident to acquire a liquor or beer license and the existence of a criminal record does not preclude a person from licensure. However, applicants with criminal records must be able to provide evidence of rehabilitation or they may be denied a license.

Applicants unfamiliar with the lengthy and detailed application process may want to consult an attorney. All necessary application forms and instructions are available on-line from our application menu or at the Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway, first floor. For information about the liquor licensing process or upcoming meetings of the Authority, contact the licensing office at 303-441-4192. Licensing is located in the Department of Finance at 1777 Broadway, first floor.

2013 Hearing Agenda, Minutes, and Recordings

Our intention is to provide the Beverage Licensing Authority Agenda on the Friday prior to the meeting. However, due to any unforeseen technical difficulties this may not occur prior to the close of business on Friday by 5:00 p.m

Archived Hearing Agenda, Minutes, and Recordings

Special Hearings:

July 6th, 2012:

Agenda                            Minutes                      Recorded Hearing

August 28th, 2012:

Agenda                            Minutes                      Recorded Hearing

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 10:27