Liquor Licensing

This liquor license application process is lengthier than that of other licenses. Applicants should allow a minimum of 60-90 days to complete the process.

New applications are required to have a hearing before the Centennial Liquor Licensing Authority. Virtual hearings will be scheduled no sooner than 30 days from the date the application is deemed complete. For new liquor licenses, there is a requirement to assess the needs and desires of the neighborhood. This is often and most clearly proven through a petitioning process.

Required Forms

• DR 8404, Colorado Liquor Retail License Application OR DR 8403, Fermented Malt Beverage/Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer License Application
• DR 8404-I, Individual History Record
• DR 8495, Tax Check Authorization, Waiver and Request to Release Information

Other Information and Forms

• City of Centennial's Procedure for Applying for a New Retail Liquor/Fermented Malt Beverage/Wine License(PDF, 163KB)
• Financial Questionnaire(PDF, 20KB)
• List of Survey/Petitioning Companies(PDF, 22KB)
• Approved Responsible Vendor Training
• DR 8500, Fee Schedule

Tips and Helpful Information

• Pages 5 and 6 of the DR 8404 includes a checklist of documents to be attached to the application.
• Pages 3 and 4 of the DR 8403 includes a checklist of documents to be attached to the application. 
• After the application is submitted, fingerprinting information for the background check(s) will be provided to the applicant.
• The DR 8442 is required only if the owner is not the manager.
• You can request Concurrent Review to enable the State to begin reviewing the application at the same time Centennial is reviewing it.
• The Centennial Liquor Licensing Authority generally meet on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. for virtual hearings.

The State will send a Renewal Application approximately 60 to 90 days before the expiration of the current license. The Renewal Application and fees are due to Centennial on or before 45 days before the expiration of the current license. A reminder email may be sent by the Clerk’s office if the renewal application is late.

Required Forms

• DR 8400, Retail Liquor License Renewal Application
• DR 8495, Tax Check Authorization, Waiver and Request to Release Information
• Certificate of Good Standing from Colorado Secretary of State

Tips and Helpful Information

• The fees to the State can be paid on the Colorado PayPort Online Service Portal. Please include a copy of the receipt with your Renewal Application.  
• If your lease expiration date has passed, you will need to provide a lease extension or other documentation which shows control of premises.
• Your fees to Centennial are $100 for the Annual Renewal Application Fee and an amount for the Retail License Fee which depends on the type of license. The Retail License Fees can be found on the DR 8500, Fee Schedule  under the type of license and “Local Fee City.”
• Sales tax must be current with Centennial and the State before the Renewal Application will be processed.

Several changes to a business are reported using the same form. These include but are not limited to change in manager, modification of premises (permanent or temporary) and change in corporate or trade name.

Required Forms

• DR 8442, Permit Application and Report of Changes
• Attachments as required by the DR 8442

Other Forms

• Affidavit Concerning Criminal History(PDF, 12KB)
• DR-8404-I, Individual History Record

Tips and Helpful Information

• Manager Registration for certain licenses (Brew Pub, Hotel & Restaurant, Tavern and Lodging & Entertainment) require a fee of $30 to the State and $30 to Centennial.  
• There are no Manager Registration fees for a Beer and Wine license or Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine license. These types of manager registrations do not require a State fee but do require a local fee of $30.
• The fees to the State can be paid on the Colorado PayPort Online Service Portal. Please include a copy of the receipt with the form.

A business that wants to obtain an existing license must complete a transfer of ownership. This requires both State and local approval but may not require a public hearing before the Liquor Licensing Authority. An applicant for a transfer application may also request a temporary permit for the period during which the transfer is being reviewed.

Required Forms

• DR 8404, Colorado Liquor Retail License Application OR DR 8403, Fermented Malt Beverage/Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retailer License Application
• DR 8404-I, Individual History Record
• DR 8495, Tax Check Authorization, Waiver and Request to Release Information
• Centennial's Financial Questionnaire(PDF, 20KB)

Other Information and Forms

• Centennial's Procedure for Transfer of Ownership Checklist(PDF, 125KB)
• Centennial's Temporary Permit Application and Affidavit(PDF, 324KB)
• DR 8500, Fee Schedule
•  

Tips and Helpful Information

• The DR 8404/DR 8403 includes a checklist of documents to be attached to the application.  
• After the transfer application is submitted, fingerprinting information for the background check(s) will be provided to the applicant.

A Special Event Permit is required when serving or selling alcohol at a qualifying event under 44-5-102 C.R.S. Non- Profit Organization, Philanthropic Institution, Religious Organization, Charger/Chapter, Athletic Organization or Political Candidate. In addition to the Special Event Liquor Permit you may also be subject to additional permitting through Community Development. Visit our Permits for Special Events webpage for additional information.

Required Documents:

• 8 1/2" x 11” diagram of the area to be licensed
• Appropriate documentation for authorization to use premises
• Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State

Learn more and apply for a Special Event Permit here.

Other Liquor Licensing Documents

• DR 8177, Change of Corporate Structure Form
• DR 8442, Permit Application and Report of Changes

Alcohol Beverage Tasting

• Alcohol Beverage Tasting Permit Application and Renewal(PDF, 43KB)

Surrender a License

• Affidavit to Surrender a Liquor License

Local Approval for Sales Room (Brewery, Distillery and Wineries only)

• DR 8057, Application for Colorado Sales Room