Summit County Government through its Board of County Commissioners is the local licensing authority for all applicable liquor licenses within unincorporated Summit County.  

All completed application forms and fees are submitted to the office of the Summit County Clerk & Recorder for processing.

Location Matters

If your business is located within the city limits of Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Blue River, or Montezuma, contact the town's clerk.  The Office of the Clerk & Recorder for Summit County facilitates Liquor License applications for businesses located in Unincorporated Summit County.  Fees, Local Forms and procedures vary by jurisdiction

Timeline

Plan ahead! The application process can take multiple months for new applications and transfer of ownership. The County reviews Unincorporated liquor license actions, then transmits to the State for a final review.  Once you have paperwork and payments compiled for your application, e-mail us to set up an application review appointment.

Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check

All listed individual applicants (even those as a part of an applying entity such as a Corporation or LLC) for new applications, transfers of ownership, manager registration, etc. must to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check.  No more messy black ink and paper cards!  All fingerprinting is conducted by approved Identogo or Colorado Fingerprinting facilities in Colorado.  Applicants are required to make an appointment online with either vendor.  This FAQ Sheet helps applicants in obtaining fingerprints.

Forms

For each situation, a combination of State and Local forms are usually required.  For Modifications, Special Event Applications and Transfers of Ownership, scroll toward the bottom of this page.

State forms are available through the Colorado Department of Revenue's Liquor Enforcement Division.
 
Local forms are used in addition with the State forms, depending on what type of application is being made.  The Authorization to Release and Affidavit of Source of Funds forms are necessary for modifications when people are involved (e.g. Manager Registrations, Ownership Changes), or new Applications for each individual listed.

Fees

If your business is located in Unincorporated Summit County, email liquorlicensing@summitcountyco.gov for a fee quote.  If your business is located within a Town in Summit County, contact that town's clerk.  Some license types require processing directly and solely through the State (Manufacturers, Transportation companies, etc.).  For most liquor-licensed business, fees and paperwork are submitted to the Clerk & Recorder's Office at once - including State forms and payment.  The Clerk's Office forwards State paperwork and payments for applicants at the appropriate time.

Timeline

Applying for a Liquor License takes time, we're here to help.  Our office can assist you in planning your timeline so you know what to expect from the process.  The Summit County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 1:30pm, with a few exceptions.  New applications must be submitted completely and with all payments included at least 30 days prior to the date that the Public Hearing requested.  Concurrent Review is an option applicants can choose to pay extra for in their application payment to CDOR, provided through the State, that can expedite review turnaround time.  Concurrent Review allows for the State to review the application concurrently with the County and can save time in the overall process.

Transfers of Ownership & Temporary Liquor Licenses

Transfers of Liquor Licenses are treated similarly and can cost as much as a new application.  Concurrent Review is not available for Transfers, but a Temporary Liquor License is issued based on the discretion of the Clerk & Recorder and can only be issued for a temporary/statutory amount of time.  Temporary Permits are issued only in the case of a Transfer of Ownership.  Temporary Liquor Licenses can only be issued once all paperwork and payment is submitted for a full application and said application is under review.

Special Event Liquor Permit

Requirements:

• Must be a non-profit organization under C.R.S. 44-5-102
• Special Event Liquor Permit Application
• Detailed checklist for supplemental documentation and fees at bottom of Application Form
• Applications must be complete and in the possession of the Clerk & Recorder no later than 30 days prior to the event
• If the event is to be held within Town limits of a local municipality, apply through the appropriate Town Clerk's Office

Renewals

Renewal reminders and forms are sent by the County and State at least 90 days prior to the expiration date of the Liquor License.  Didn't get your renewal notice?  Email liquorlicensing@summitcountyco.gov for assistance.

Modifications

Modifications to Liquor Licenses including but not limited to: Manager Registrations, Trade Name Changes, Premise Modification (Temporary or Permanent) require a combination of paperwork and fees.  By law, the listed Manager for certain Licenses including but not limited to Taverns, Hotel & Restaurant, etc. must be kept up to date with Local and State Liquor Authorities.

 Any modification: Start with the DR8442 form and follow the instructions.

Registering a Manager: Send the applicant to an approved Identogo facility first before submitting paperwork and payment (closest location: Summit County Sheriff's Office in Breckenridge).

Fees: The DR8442 form only covers State fees, email liquorlicensing@summitcountyco.gov to confirm fees.

Tastings Permits

For Retail Liquor Stores only, Tastings Permit Applications are conducted through this office.  Annual fee is $25.00.  Tastings are subject to BOCC Resolution 2004-87, State Regulation 47-313, and C.R.S. 44-3-301  Tastings Permit Application for Retail Liquor Stores located in unincorporated Summit County is here.