When submitting your application and documents for a new, transfer of ownership or change of class liquor license, please ensure that all documents are properly executed, each question is answered, each document is complete, and that the name of the license applicant corresponds throughout. All documents must be typed or legibly printed in ink.
Please retain a copy of all documents for your records.
Register at City of Boulder Customer Self-Service Portal
Note - You will use the Customer Self-Service Portal to "Apply" by uploading all of the documents required for your application based on the information and steps below.
Zoning confirmation for Beverage Licensing Authority (BLA) is a review process to determine if the proposed use is appropriate in the proposed location. The review will evaluate the proposed operating characteristics and identify any potential additional reviews that are required. An approved Zoning Confirmation for BLA constitutes all zoning requirements have been met with the proposed use.
There are two documents required to satisfy the Zoning Review:
A request for a Zoning Confirmation for BLA is made by submitting the Administrative Review Application & Zoning Confirmation Application. The applications can be found at the following links:
Review the Online Development Review Application guide for more information.
Please note that this step must be completed prior to beginning the application phase for a liquor license.
All City of Boulder application documents are completed via secure forms on the City's website. Click on the link associated with each required document to access the online form. After completion, a pdf file will be emailed to you. Please save these documents to be uploaded in the Customer Self-Service Portal during the final step of the application process.
Please make sure you have registered for a Customer Self-Service Account from Step 1 above.
To submit all of your documents, you will need to use our online form to request a secure folder from Regulatory Licensing. Once this has been created, you will be sent an email with the application number in the Customer Self-Service Portal where you will upload your documentation and pay applicable City of Boulder Fees.
Please review the Liquor License Application Workflow Summary and understand the steps and workflow for these license types.
Step 1: Local Zoning Laws Review Approval – Zoning approval must be received prior to submission of a Liquor License Application (does not apply to transfer applications).
Step 2: City of Boulder Business License – A City of Boulder Sales Tax for Business license application must be submitted Sales and Use Tax | City of Boulder
Step 3: Request a Secure Folder to Upload Application – Fill out the Liquor License Submissions Form New License Request Form | City of Boulder. Once submitted, you will receive an email within one business day with instructions on how to submit your application and pay fees.
Step 4: Fill Out State and Local Forms for Submission and Pay Fees – Use the links on the City’s website to access State forms and to fill out online liquor license forms. Once each City form is submitted, you will receive an encrypted email with a pdf of the form. You will save these forms and the State forms to be uploaded in the Customer Self-Service Portal. City fees can be paid in the portal; State fees will be paid through the State portal later in the process.
Step 5: Liquor License Application Review – Your application will be assigned to a licensing staff member who will work with you through the entire application process. This staff member will begin review of the application and email you with next steps within four business days of assignment. Applications are assigned to staff members every Tuesday.
Step 6: CBI and FBI Results Received for all 10% Owners and Managers/Officers – Your staff member will reach out to you if additional information is required for this step.
Step 7: Hearing Poster Picked Up and Posted* – City Licensing will prepare a hearing poster which must be picked up by the applicant and posted at least 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing. Instructions will be emailed when the poster is prepared.
Step 8: Petition Materials Due* - Applicant should use City Licensing materials to complete door-to-door petitioning and provide those results to City Licensing ten (10) days prior to the hearing. The assigned staff member will provide the deadline date.
Step 9: Preliminary Findings Sent to Applicant* - City Licensing will email an application summary to the applicant that will also be provided in the public hearing packet.
Step 10: BLA Hearing* – A public hearing before the Beverage Licensing Authority will be scheduled. The BLA makes final decisions on liquor applications and liquor violations. Visit our website for more information about the BLA. Beverage Licensing Authority | City of Boulder Interpreter services are available for BLA hearings. If you require an interpreter for the hearing, please email a request to licensingonline@bouldercolorado.gov.
Step 11: Approval Sent to State Liquor Enforcement Division – If the BLA approves the application or the application is approved administratively, the local approval will be sent to the Liquor Enforcement Division (LED).
Step 12: State LED Issues State License to City – If LED approves the application, the state license will be sent to City Licensing for issuance.
Step 13: Premise Inspection and License Issuance – A premise inspection will be conducted once all requirements of the liquor licenses are met. If inspection is passed, the liquor license will be issued directly after the premise inspection. Your licensing staff member will provide you with more information.
*Only required for New, Change of Class, Change of Location and Permanent Modification
Timeline: New and Permanent Modifications will be scheduled for boundary setting at the first available hearing once a legally complete application has been received with the application hearing the following month.
