Special event liquor permits allow for the sale by the drink only of malt, vinous and spirituous liquor, or fermented malt beverages, on premises that do not hold a liquor license or is to be sold by a qualifying organization or club or arts liquor-licensed premises.
Qualifying organizations include:
Special event liquor permits must apply at least 30 days before the event. State Liquor Regulation 47-1002 ensures Excise and Licenses has plenty of time to process the application. This also ensures the applicant has time to meet the requirements for posting notice about the event.
For example, special event liquor permits are required when a qualifying organization or political candidate:
A special event permit authorizes sale of the beverage, or the liquors specified only during the following hours:
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.
A zone use permit might be required when submitting a special event liquor permit application to Excise and Licenses.
Zone use permit is not required for events held in public parks/buildings and on public streets or alleys
Events inside a building already zoned for assembly
Events in a building or outdoors (including parking lots) not zoned for assembly
Determine if you need a fire safety permit
The applicant might need to secure a Denver fire safety event permit. Review the Denver Fire Special Events Guidelines(PDF, 244KB) document to determine if a DFD Special Events Permit is required.
After reading the document and you decide you do need a fire safety permit based on the guidelines, follow these instructions:
After determining you need a fire safety permit, submit that application online to the Denver Fire Department. This document(PDF, 3MB) will guide you through the online application process. After your fire safety permit is approved, you will receive it via email. You will use that permit to apply for the special event liquor permit.
Online training videos provide helpful and detailed overviews of the application process. They are on the Online Training Videos webpage. They show how to register for an account, how to complete licensed establishment and entity registration records, and how to apply for new business licenses or amendments.
Register for an account, if you haven't already, in Denver’s Permitting and Licensing Center. For help, navigate to the online training videos and watch the guide for how to register for a new account.
Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.
Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:
In Denver's Online Permitting and Licensing Center:
This will begin the application process.
You can save and resume within 30 days any time during the process. After 30 days, you must start again.
Go to the Online Training Videos webpage to guide you.
After the online application is complete, you will be prompted to submit fees in the online portal. These can be paid with a bank account or a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.
Application fee: $100
Licensing fee:
All credit cards are accepted except for American Express.
Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).
Application forms and business entity documents are required for the applications process. Documents must be printed in black ink or typewritten. Photocopies are accepted.
All documents are submitted through the online process to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.
The permit must always be posted when the event is being held.
Office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Liquor office hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Notary services8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Festival permit information and how to provide local notice.