Get or renew a liquor license
If you want to sell alcohol in Louisville, you need a liquor license or permit. The City Clerk's Office helps process liquor license applications, renewals, and special permits.
We follow Chapter 5.08 - Alcoholic Beverages of the Louisville Municipal Code and the State of Colorado's rules and regulations for liquor licensing.
Get ready
Before you apply:
- Determine your State and City liquor license fees by reviewing the fee schedule.
- State fees must be paid via their website. Click here to access the site and then click the "Online Payment" icon.
- City fees can be paid by check (payable to City of Louisville) or by debit/credit card by calling (303) 335-4519.
- Proof of Responsible Vendor Training for an owner or manager of record is now required with every new, transfer or renewal liquor license application. The Liquor Enforcement Division (LED) does NOT ACCEPT online Responsible Vendor Training. Allowed "Responsible Vendor" training must either be done in a "Classroom Setting" or "Live Streaming" where the student and instructor have live interaction.
- We recommend applying for a new license at least three months before your targeted open date.
How to get a new license
- Find and complete the correct form for a new liquor license.
- On the page in the link above, search for "Liquor Retail License Application". The form # is 8404.
- Gather all of the required documents as outlined in the Liquor Retail License Application. You will bring all of the documents with you to your appointment with us.
- Make an appointment for submittal. Call (303) 335-4519 or email to set an appointment.
How to transfer a license
If you are getting a liquor license transferred to you from a business that already has a license, you are responsible for filling out the required paperwork.
- Find and complete the application for temporary liquor license permits. This will allow you to continue selling liquor while your transfer is being processed.
- Find and complete the correct form for a new liquor license
- On the page in the link above, search for "Liquor Retail License Application". The form # is 8404.
- Gather all of the required documents as outlined in the Liquor Retail License Application. You will bring all of the documents and the completed application with you to your appointment with us.
- Make an appointment for submittal. Call (303) 335-4519 or email to set an appointment.
- Plan to bring all required documents (see step 3) and payment with you to your appointment.
How to renew a liquor license
- Find and complete the correct form for a renewal liquor license application.
- On the page in the link above, search for "Retail Liquor License Renewal Application". The form # is 8400.
- Email the form to ClerksOffice@LouisvilleCO.gov.
- Upon submission, we will send you an invoice to pay your renewal fees online.
After you apply
The City Clerk's Office will review your application and contact you if additional information is needed. Processing times vary depending on the type of application or permit. New liquor licenses must be approved by the Local Licensing Authority (the City board that reviews and approves liquor licensing matters).
If you have questions about liquor licensing, forms, or permit requirements, contact the City Clerk's Office at (303) 335-4574.
Apply for a special event liquor permit
Who can apply?
Only these organizations may apply:
- Social organizations
- Fraternal organizations
- Patriotic organizations
- Political organizations
- Athletic organizations
- Chartered branches, lodges, or chapters
- National organizations or societies
- Religious institutions
- Philanthropic institutions
- Political candidates
- Municipally owned arts facilities
Deadline
Submit your application and all required attachments at least 30 days before your event.
Apply
Submit the special events liquor permit application.
Fee
The Special Event permit fee is $100. There is an additional charge of $25 per day for liquor or wine, or $10 per day for beer.
Pay the application fee and permit fee by:
- Check (payable to the City of Louisville), or
- Calling (303) 335.4574 to pay with debit or credit card.
Apply for a festival permit
A Festival Permit allows current liquor license holders to work together at a public event where alcohol will be sold.
Deadline
Submit the City of Louisville Festival Permit application and all required attachments at least 60 days before your event.
Apply
Submit the festival permit application.
Fee
The Festival Permit application fee is $150.
Pay by:
- Check (payable to the City of Louisville), or
- Calling (303) 335-4574 to pay by debit or credit card.
Apply to offer tastings
The following businesses may conduct tastings with approval from the Local Licensing Authority (the City board that reviews and approves liquor licensing matters):
- Retail liquor stores
- Fermented malt beverage and wine retailers
Approval is valid for one year. A new application is required each year.
Tastings Application and Rules - coming soon!
State liquor forms
For all other forms (Modification of Premises, Report of Changes: Corporate, etc.) please visit the Liquor Enforcement Division Forms website.
