Special event cabaret permit

Special event cabaret permits are required if a liquor licensee wants to have entertainment or dancing, other than adult entertainment, on the premises on a limited or one-time basis, or if a special event liquor permit is going to provide live entertainment or dancing.

Limitations

A special event cabaret permit can be issued for 10 days in a calendar year, except for events held on public streets, highways, roadways, and sidewalks, which can be issued for 15 days in a calendar year.

Hours of operation

44-5-105.

(2) A special event permit authorizes sale of the beverage or the liquors specified only during the following hours:

(a) Between the hours of five a.m. of the day specified in a malt beverage permit and until twelve midnight on the same day;

(b) Between the hours of seven a.m. of the day specified in a malt, vinous, and spirituous liquor permit and until two a.m. of the day immediately following.

 

Online form application

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

Step 2.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:

  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good filename: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad filename: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file. 
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible. 
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 3.Submit an application

To submit your application, please go to this online application, fill it out, attach all required documents and submit online.

Applications must be filed at least four days before the day of the event. These applications must be presented to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Please make sure that you have all of your required documents and information ready when you start your application. If you need to gather the information during the application process you can "Save" and resume the application at a later date.

After applying, you will receive an invoice to pay fees. You cannot pay fees until you have received an invoice. Visit the online payment process page or watch the "How to pay online" video for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 4.Pay required fees

License fees: $50 per day made payable to the Manager of Finance

Step 5.City application review and next steps

Action will be taken on an application within three days of the filing of the application.

Step 6.License issuance

If the application is approved by the Department of Excise and Licenses, the permit will be emailed if there is enough time. Otherwise, the applicant will have to make an appointment to pick it up at the office of Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Mail application

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

Step 2.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 3.Submit an application

Applications must be filed at least four days before the day of the event. These applications must be presented to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Please make sure that you have all of your required documents and information ready when you start your application. If you need to gather the information during the application process you can "Save" and resume the application at a later date.

After applying, you will receive an invoice to pay fees. You cannot pay fees until you have received an invoice. Visit the online payment process page or watch the "How to pay online" video for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 4.Pay required fees

License fees: $50 per day made payable to the Manager of Finance

Step 5.City application review and next steps

Action will be taken on an application within three days of the filing of the application.

Step 6.License issuance

If the application is approved by the Department of Excise and Licenses, the permit will be emailed if there is enough time. Otherwise, the applicant will have to make an appointment to pick it up at the office of Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Apply in person

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

Step 2.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 3.Submit an application

Applications must be filed at least four days before the day of the event. These applications must be presented to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Please make sure that you have all of your required documents and information ready when you start your application. If you need to gather the information during the application process you can "Save" and resume the application at a later date.

After applying, you will receive an invoice to pay fees. You cannot pay fees until you have received an invoice. Visit the online payment process page or watch the "How to pay online" video for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 4.Pay required fees

License fees: $50 per day made payable to the Manager of Finance

Step 5.City application review and next steps

Action will be taken on an application within three days of the filing of the application.

Step 6.License issuance

If the application is approved by the Department of Excise and Licenses, the permit will be emailed if there is enough time. Otherwise, the applicant will have to make an appointment to pick it up at the office of Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Special event cabaret permit(PDF, 193KB)

Hours of operation

Office hours (Schedule an appointment)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Liquor office hours (Schedule an appointment)
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

State statutes

Municipal Code

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