Liquor Licensing

Local Approval

Liquor license applications are initially reviewed and processed by the Licensing Specialist. Following review, applications are signed and approved by the City Attorney's Office.

If a public hearing is required, the Centennial Liquor Licensing Authority, presided over by Judge Kevin Ellmann, provides final local approval of the application.

State Approval

After local approval, applications are submitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue – Liquor Enforcement Division for final approval.

Oversight and Hearings

The Licensing Specialist is responsible for overseeing all administrative operations related to liquor licensing and determining when a public hearing is required.

Hearings are held for new licenses and violations when necessary. Not all applications require a hearing.

The liquor license application process in Centennial is more extensive than other licensing procedures, and applicants should plan for a minimum of 60 to 90 days to complete the process.

New applicants are required to register for a Customer Self-Service Portal Account to apply and pay fees online. Additionally, they must follow updated fingerprinting instructions through IdentoGO, which requires obtaining a unique code from the Licensing Specialist.

Applications that involve a Public Hearing are reviewed and decided by the Centennial Liquor Licensing Authority. As part of the process for new licenses, applicants must also demonstrate the needs and desires of the neighborhood—typically through a petitioning effort, which is the most effective method of establishing community support.

Apply or Renew a Liquor License 

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

• Financial Questionnaire(PDF, 20KB)
• List of Survey/Petitioning Companies(PDF, 22KB)
• Approved Responsible Vendor Training
• DR 8500, Fee Schedule

Tips and Helpful Information

• Pages four and five of the DR 8404 includes a checklist of documents to be attached to the application.
• Pages three and four 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 the City of Centennial is reviewing it.

Centennial liquor license renewals must be submitted through the City of Centennial Customer Self-Service Portal no later than 45 days prior to the license expiration date.

Licensees will receive renewal forms from the State approximately 90 days before expiration; however, these forms must be filed with the City along with local fees, and State fees must be paid online.

Please note: Late submissions are subject to a $500 penalty and may result in significant delays or suspension of the license.

Apply or Renew a Liquor License 

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

Requirements, Submission Process and Timeline

Timeline: Submit at least 45 days before expiration to avoid a $500 late fee and potential suspension.

Process: Log in to the City of Centennial Customer Self-Service Portal to initiate the renewal, pay City fees and upload required documents.

State Fees: Pay State renewal fees directly to the Colorado Department of Revenue and upload the receipt to the City portal.

Documentation: Complete the renewal application (Form DR 8400 or DR 8401), provide a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State and detail any changes in ownership or criminal activity.

Employee Training: Proof of compliant in-person or live-streaming alcohol service training for staff must be submitted.

Fees to Centennial:

• $100 Annual Renewal Application Fee
• Retail License Fee (varies by license type; see Form DR 8500 Fee Schedule under “Local Fee City”)

Sales tax accounts must be current with both the City of Centennial and the State before processing.

Processing: If your application is complete and submitted on time, it will be reviewed and approved by the Licensing Specialist and sent to the state for processing.

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 the City of 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 Centennial 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 the City of Centennial's Community Development Department. 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

• DR 8056, Affidavit to Surrender a Liquor License

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

• DR 8057, Application for Colorado Sales Room