You’ll need:
- A site plan. Outline the boundaries of the proposed common consumption area in red. Label all attached liquor licensees and any businesses included in the common consumption area.
- A map showing the location of the common consumption area. Label the boundaries of the entertainment district and show where the common consumption area will be.
- If you are proposing a new entertainment district, provide a detailed area map. This map should include:
- The boundaries outlined in red;
- The name, address, license type, and square footage of each liquor licensed premises in the entertainment district. Do not include temporary modifications.
- Proof of possession of the premises. Proof of possession and evidence of permission authorizing alcohol consumption from any non-liquor licensed premises located within the common consumption area. This could be a lease, deed, or other documents showing you are allowed to occupy the space being used as the common consumption area.
- Proof of liability insurance. A certificate of insurance meets this requirement.
- Evidence of community support. This could be a letter, a good neighbor agreement, or other document indicating support or non-opposition from an eligible neighborhood organization. You can submit more than one document. The document(s) must be authorized by an officer, director, or agent of the eligible neighborhood organization(s).
- A complete parking and transportation plan.
- A complete health and sanitation plan.
- A complete security and admission control plan.
- Any required city permits or authorizations. Examples include right of way, zoning, and fire and building permits. You can submit an approved permit or a receipt for your permit application.
Submit the complete application with all required documents. All materials must be legible. Legal documents must be properly signed and executed.
You can submit your application via email or make an appointment to submit in person.
The review process, public hearing, and permit review can take time. We recommend applying at least six months before you want to open your common consumption area.
We will send an invoice to the email address you provide. You will owe $1,000. This includes:
- A one-time $250 application fee for the promotional association certification
- A one-time $250 application fee for the common consumption area license
- The annual $250 promotional association certification fee
- The annual $250 common consumption area license fee
You can pay your fees online, in person, or over the phone.
- Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card are accepted.
- Pay your fees in person with cash, check, or credit card:
- You can make in-person payments at the Wellington Web Building, located at 201 W Colfax Ave., metered street parking is available.
- The payments and cashiering desk is located on the second floor. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- To pay with a check, make it payable to the Manager of Finance.
- Pay your fees over the phone with a credit card.
- Call the payments and cashiering desk at 720-865-2780. If there is no answer, leave a phone number where someone can call you back.
- The payments and cashiering desk is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Application fees are non-refundable. If your license is not approved, the certification and license fees will be refunded.
The application will be reviewed to make sure it is complete. This initial review usually takes about seven to 10 business days.
The application then will be reviewed to ensure it meets the standards set out in state and local law. This review can take two to three weeks.
All common consumption area applications must undergo a public hearing.
We will send an email when the application is set for a hearing. The notice packet will include a date and time for the hearing, any posting requirements, and information about the hearing process.
The hearing will be scheduled at least 60 days after the date we receive a complete application. The hearing process is complete when the director of Excise and Licenses issues a final decision.
Learn more about public hearings.
If you are applying for a common consumption area license where there is no existing entertainment district, City Council will need to approve the new district. After your public hearing, we will submit the request to City Council and notify you of the timeline. This takes about six to eight weeks.
If you are applying for a common consumption area license in an existing entertainment district, City Council will not need to approve your application. Instead, we will verify your location within the existing entertainment district. This takes about one week.
After the entertainment district review is completed, final permit review will ensure all permits have been approved. The length will depend on the number of permits in the application.
Once all permits have been approved, we will email you an inspection notice. This notice will list the agencies that must inspect your common consumption area. Schedule your inspections by calling the number(s) listed on the notice.
Inspecting agencies will determine whether you pass or fail. You must pass all inspections before a license is issued.
You can check your inspection status in the online Permitting and Licensing Center.
Once all your inspections are passed, email EXLApplications@denvergov.org. Include your business file number.
The license will be sent by email, or by mail upon request.
Read the “Stay Compliant” tab about the new license.
If you start an application and do not finish it within a year, it will be closed administratively.