- Home
- Departments
- Town Clerk
- Liquor Licenses
Liquor Licenses
A liquor license is required to sell or distribute alcoholic beverages for commercial purposes. All liquor licenses are considered by the Town of Erie Local Liquor Licensing Authority. The Municipal Judge serves as the Licensing Authority. The Town Clerk serves as Secretary to the Local Liquor Licensing Authority.
Apply
First, applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Town Clerk to review the application, process, and fee schedule. State and local fees are due to the Town Clerk’s Office upon submitting the final application.
- Who May Apply?
- Fees
- Renewals
- New Applicants
- Liquor at Events
- Transfer of Ownership
- Bulletins from the State
- Deadlines
Colorado liquor and beer licenses may be issued in the name of natural persons, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies who are:
- At least 21 years of age
- Registered with the Colorado Secretary of State's Office
- Able to provide evidence of rehabilitation if the applicant has a criminal record
Fees Waived in 2021
In tandem with Senate Bill 20B-001, Town Administrator Malcolm Fleming signed an emergency order on December 18, 2020, waiving local liquor license fees for applications from December 7, 2020 - December 7, 2021. The emergency order will provide relief to restaurants and other liquor licensed establishments impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More
- FAQ for State Liquor License Fees Waived
- Bulletin 20-27 from State
- Bulletin from Town of Erie
- Fee Schedule
- Town of Erie Emergency Order
Waived - Application Fee
The Application fee for a new liquor license is $1,000 has been waived through December 7, 2021. See the fee schedule for renewal, transfer of ownership, or other fees.
Waived - Retail License Fee
The Retail License Fee has been waived through December 7, 2021. See the 'Local Fee City' and liquor license type on the fee schedule.
Waived - State License Fee
The State License Fee has been waived through December 7, 2021. See the fee by liquor license type on the fee schedule.
State and local fees that are waived:
Limited Winery License (44-3-403, C.R.S.); Beer and Wine License (44-3-411, C.R.S.); Hotel and Restaurant License (44-3-413, C.R.S.) and related optional premises; Resort Complex to include related facilities; Campus Liquor Complex to include related facilities; Tavern License (44-3-414, C.R.S.); Optional Premise License (44-3-415, C.R.S.); Retail Gaming Tavern License (44-3-416, C.R.S.); Brew Pub License (44-3-417, C.R.S.); Club License (44-3-418, C.R.S.); Arts License (44-3-419, C.R.S.); Racetrack License (44-3-420, C.R.S.); Vintner’s Restaurant License (44-3-422, C.R.S.); Distillery Pub License (44-3-426, C.R.S.); Lodging and Entertainment License (44-3-428, C.R.S.); Fermented Malt Beverage (FMB) On-Premises License (44-4-107(1)(b), C.R.S.); FMB On-and-Off Premises License (44-4-107(1)(c), C.R.S.).
Renewal Application
Please file your renewal application with all documentation and payment to the Town Clerk's Office no later than 45 days before your license expiration.
If you have had a violation during the last year, you will be required to attend a hearing.
New Applicants
Please file your completed application, including all documentation and payment, to the Town Clerk's Office no later than 45 days before the desired scheduled hearing.
The Erie Liquor License Authority holds public hearings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Erie Municipal and Courts (1000 Telleen Ave.).
Liquor at Events
As Secretary to the Local Liquor License Authority, the Town Clerk issues all permits for liquor at events. The Parks and Recreation Department manages all other aspects of permitting the event.
First, complete the Special Event application and all documentation, including the liquor application and payment, no later than 60 days before the event.
- The local fee is $100
- There are two types of special event liquor permits:
- malt, vinous, and spirituous liquor (state fee $25/day)
- fermented malt beverages (state fee $10/day)
Entertainment District
The Town of Erie exercises its local option to allow common consumption areas. The one common consumption area is located in historic downtown Erie.
Tastings
The Town of Erie Municipal Code authorizes alcoholic beverage tastings for licensed retail liquor stores and liquor-licensed drugstores. The establishment must notify the Town Clerk of the intended date, location, and hours of tasting 72 hours prior to the event.
Transfer of Ownership
The licensing process generally takes months to complete and includes attending a public hearing and posting public notices.
- File your completed application, including all documentation and payment to the Town Clerk's Office no later than 45 days (or 60 days for special events) before the desired scheduled Public Hearing.
- Post your public notice 10 days before the Public Hearing.
Application Due Date | Public Hearing |
Fri., Dec. 4, 2020 | Tues., Jan. 19, 2021 |
Wed., Dec. 30, 2020 | Tues., Feb. 16, 2021 |
Fri., Jan. 29, 2021 | Tues., Mar. 16, 2021 |
Fri. Mar. 5, 2021 | Tues., Apr. 20, 2021 |
Fri., April 2, 2021 | Tues., May 18, 2021 |
Fri., April 30, 2021 | Tues., June 15, 2021 |
Fri., June 4, 2021 | Tues., July 20, 2021 |
Fri., July 2, 2021 | Tues., Aug. 17, 2021 |
Fri., Aug. 6, 2021 | Tues., Sept. 21, 2021 |
Fri., Sept. 3, 2021 | Tues., Oct. 19, 2021 |
Fri., Oct. 1, 2021 | Tues., Nov. 16, 2021 |
Fri., Nov. 5, 2021 | Tues., Dec. 21, 2021 |
Process
Obtaining a liquor license in the Town of Erie is a privilege and is issued by 'dual' licensing authorities. The licensing process generally takes months or longer to complete. The instructions for each step are included in the application packet (provided by the Town Clerk via an appointment). Plan accordingly and communicate with the Town Clerk far in advance of your anticipated opening date to avoid delays.
In addition to the application and the fees, applicants must post a public notice, petition, and attend a public hearing. Final applications, approved by the local authority, are then forwarded to the State Liquor Enforcement Division.
Posting Public Notice
A notice must be posted at the physical location of the premises seeking a license 10 days before the public hearing on the liquor license.
Public Hearing
The Hearing Officer of the Local Liquor License Authority will ultimately approve or deny the liquor license application. The applicant should be prepared to answer questions regarding their liquor license and give testimony on their application.
Written and in-person public comment may be given at the hearing by the applicant and community members.
Applicants will be required to attend a hearing each year. Hearings are held on Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
2020 Public Hearing Schedule |
Tues., Jan. 19, 2021 |
Tues., Feb. 16, 2021 |
Tues., Mar. 16, 2021 |
Tues., Apr. 20, 2021 |
Tues., May 18, 2021 |
Tues., June 15, 2021 |
Tues., July 20, 2021 |
Tues., Aug. 17, 2021 |
Tues., Sept. 21, 2021 |
Tues., Oct. 19, 2021 |
Tues., Nov. 16, 2021 |
Tues., Dec. 21, 2021 |
Petitions
The applicant must consider the neighborhood's needs and desires through petitioning the neighborhood.
-
Town Clerk
Physical Address
645 Holbrook Street
Erie, CO 80516
Phone: 303-926-2731