Liquor License FAQ

Q: How do I renew my liquor license?

A: A liquor license renewal is the sole responsibility of the licensee. The timeline of events is as follows:

1. The State liquor division sends a renewal notice 90-days before your license expires.
2. The City of Boulder also sends a renewal notice 90-days before expiration.
3. You will usually receive the State renewal before the City renewal.
4. A completed renewal application (i.e., City and State forms and fees) must be submitted to your local authority (City of Boulder) at least 45 days prior to the expiration. Please Note: that if you do not submit your renewal 45 days before expiration, you can be called before the Beverages Licensing Authority and they may deny your renewal.
5. If you fail to renew your liquor license by your expiration date, you have a 90-day grace period in which to renew.
6. You will be assessed a $500.00 late filing fee, no exceptions.
7. If after 90-days you still haven’t renewed your license, then your license becomes null and void and you must apply for a new license and you will need to cease all alcohol sales/service until you receive a new liquor license.

You will need to submit all of the following documents to the CITY OF BOULDER

1. State renewal
2. State renewal fee
3. City renewal
4. City renewal fee
5. Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State

DO NOT send your State renewal to the State

Q: Why do I need a Certificate of Good Standing to renew my liquor license?

A: The purpose of submitting a Certificate of Good Standing is to insure that the applicant has kept up with Secretary of State requirements and obligations. If an entity is not in good standing, then a liquor license cannot be renewed. Certificates are not required for Sole Proprietors.

Q: How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State?

A: To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, you have two options:

        1.    Call the Secretary of State at 303-894-2251 to inquire about the process to obtain a Certificate.

        2.    Go to the Secretary of State's website. This option will allow you to search a database of  business records and obtain an entity=s status. The status must state "GOOD" on the form to be accepted by this office. If the entity=s status is other than good, the issue will need to be resolved with the Secretary of State prior to submitting your renewal. If the status is good, then simply print out the form and submit it with your license renewal.

Q: Can staff drink alcohol after-hours when the establishment is closed?

A: The short answer is no, you may not have any alcohol sitting out or being consumed after legal hours. Alcohol sales/service is only allowed during certain hours based on the type of liquor license that you hold. If you have a 3.2% Beer On-Premises license, then you may only have beer available from 5:00 am - Midnight. Any alcohol that is sold or served after midnight is a violation of State regulation 12-47-901(IV)(c). If you have a Beer & Wine, Tavern or Hotel-Restaurant liquor license, then you may only have alcohol available from 7:00 am - 2:00 am. Any alcohol that is sold or served after 2:00 am is a violation of State regulation 12-47-901(IV)(b)(I).

Q: What type of identification can I accept for alcohol sales?

A: You are limited to the following types of identification:

1. A valid driver’s license containing a picture - issued by any state
2. A valid identification card containing a picture – issued by any state
3. A valid military identification containing a picture
4. A valid passport containing a picture
5. A valid alien registration card containing a picture

If any of the above types of identification are expired, then you should not accept them.

Q: What about fake IDs?

A: If a licensee or it’s employees have reasonable cause to believe that a person is under 21 and is exhibiting a fake ID in an attempt to obtain any alcohol beverage, then you are authorized to confiscate the fake ID. This is supported under C.R.S. 12-47-901(5)(a)(II)(A).

Q: What do I do with the fake IDs that we have confiscated?

A: State law requires that a confiscated ID be turned over to a state or local law enforcement agency within 72 hours. The Boulder Police department has an ID Confiscation Guide for your benefit.

Q: What is the required age for alcohol service employees?

A: According to the State Liquor Enforcement Division's website, it is:

"Age Requirements 3.2% Beer Licenses:
A person who is 18 years of age, and is employed by a 3.2% beer licensed establishment, is allowed to handle, stock, sell, serve, or dispense 3.2% beer in that establishment. A person under 18 years of age is permitted to "handle" or "stock" 3.2% beer if employed by a 3.2% beer licensee and under the on-premises supervision of a person who is at least 18 years of age. A person must be 21 years of age to possess, purchase or consume 3.2% beer.

On-premises Liquor Licenses:
Malt, vinous and spirituous liquor may be handled, dispensed, or sold (this includes wait staff and bartenders) by anyone who is at least 18 years of age and under the on-premises supervision of a person who is at least 21 years of age with the following EXCEPTIONS: in Retail Liquor Stores and Taverns which do not regularly serve meals, malt, vinous and spirituous liquor may only be sold by persons who are at least 21 years of age. A person of any age may bus tables or handle empty alcohol beverage containers. A person must be 21 years of age to possess, purchase or consume beer, wine or spirits.

Off-premises Liquor Licenses:
Employees of retail liquor stores and liquor licensed drug stores must be at least 21 years of age to sell or distribute beer, wine or spirits."

Q: Where can I find out more about State and local liquor laws?

A: The City of Boulder's Beverages Licensing Authority has Rules & Regulations that are given to all new licensees. If you would like to obtain a hard copy, please call 303-441-4192. The State rules and regulations can be found at the Liquor Division.

Last Updated on Friday, 06 July 2012 14:14