Liquor Licensing

New Licenses

The Town Clerk's Office is responsible for accepting and processing liquor license applications, and the Town uses Colorado Department of Revenue forms to process all applications.

The liquor laws of the State of Colorado restrict the sale and dispensing of alcohol beverages. Any person intending to manufacture, sell, or deal in spirituous liquor in the State of Colorado must apply for a liquor license.  Colorado is a dual licensing authority which requires retailers to first obtain license approval at the local government level, then approval from the state authority.  Applicants may apply for concurrent review of their applications from the state and local authorities.  Applications with concurrent review are considered by the state and local authorities simultaneously.

While the Town Clerk is able to provide some assistance in the application process, the Clerk cannot provide legal advice and cannot make any representations or assurances as to the final outcome of the process.  It is not essential that you seek legal assistance to guide you through the process, although you may strongly consider doing so.  

For questions regarding liquor licensing, please contact the Town Clerk at hillha@wellingtoncolorado.gov or visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's webpage.

New license applications require both a state fee and a local fee, which can be seen on the Town's Fee Schedule.  

For state fees, applicants must pay BOTH the "Application Fee" and the "Retail License Fee" (State Fee - City category).    Applicants are strongly encouraged to pay the state fees using the Colorado Department of Revenue payment application online after confirming the correct amount.

For local fees, applicants must pay BOTH the "New application" fee and the license type fee (i.e. Hotel/Tavern, Beer & Wine, Club, etc).  Applicants can pay these fees by delivering a check to 8225 3rd St., Wellington, CO 80549, or by calling (970) 568-3381 x100 and making a payment by credit card.

After all documents have been accepted by the Town Clerk and all fees paid, new applications will then be scheduled for a public hearing before the Town's Liquor License Authority Board, typically scheduled during a Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month).  At the public hearing, the Board will consider: 1) whether the license application supports the needs, desires, and reasonable requirements of the neighborhood, and; 2) the applicant's suitability to hold a license.

If the application receives a favorable determination from the Board, the Town will notify the state authority.  If the application receives favorable determination from the state authority, the Town Clerk will issue both licenses to the applicant.

Renewal and Change Applications

Renewal applications should be submitted no later than 45 days prior to the license expiration date. Licensees who have submitted their renewal application 45 days before and no later than the date of expiration may continue operating with their license until receiving final action from the State and Local Licensing Authorities.

Both state and local fees are required to process a license renewal application.  See the "New Licenses" section above for more information on making payments.

Change applications (i.e. dba, management, modification of premises) should be similarly submitted to the Town Clerk.  Any report of changes, including any modification of premises, must be applied for and approved prior to the licensee making changes. Additional information on the state's Liquor website.  Contact the Town Clerk with questions.

Special Event Liquor Permit Applications

Applications for Special Event Liquor Permit to serve liquor should be submitted as soon as possible prior to the event.  60 days of lead time for Special Event Liquor Permits is strongly recommended, and applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the event.  To apply for a Special Event Liquor Permit, complete and email a Special Event Liquor Permit application (DR 8439 on the State's website) and applicable documents (listed on DR 8439 application) as well as a Local Questionnaire to hillha@wellingtoncolorado.gov.  Additionally, applicants must pay a $100 fee per application by delivering a check to 8225 3rd St., Wellington, CO 80549, or by calling (970) 568-3381 x100 and making a payment by credit card.  

Applicants are NOT required to make any payments to the Colorado Department of Revenue for a Special Event Liquor Permit in the Town of Wellington.

After all documents and fees have been received, applications may be scheduled for a public hearing before the Town's Liquor License Authority Board, typically scheduled during a Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month).  At the public hearing, the Board will consider: 1) the sufficiency of the applicant's safety plan and control measures, and; 2) the event's suitability.  If the event is a consecutive event with no violations or comments received, the permit may be administratively approved. If approved, the permit must be displayed conspicuously at the event.

Some tips for success:

  • Submit applications for Special Event Liquor Permits as soon as possible prior to the event.  At least 60 days of lead time is strongly recommended.
  • Ensure that all documents listed on the DR 8439 are current and included with your application, including a Sales Tax License (if applicable), event diagram and insurance that is required by the Town's Special Event Permit process and the Local Questionnaire 
  • Orient your event diagram by clearly listing nearby landmarks (i.e. roads) and/or a north-facing arrow.
  • Incorporate your safety and/or accessibility plans into your event plan and diagram.
  • Ask questions!  If you're stuck, reach out to the Town Clerk's office: hillha@wellingtoncolorado.gov.