Liquor Licenses in unincorporated Douglas County are administered by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners acting as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority. After local review and approval, the applications are forwarded to the State of Colorado Department of Revenue for approval. The County does not have jurisdiction over liquor licenses within incorporated towns or cities, including Castle Rock, Parker, and Lone Tree. If you have a question regarding licensing within one of the above listed towns or cities, please contact that municipality directly.
Applications can be made for new licenses or transfers of existing licenses. The process for these applications is fairly lengthy, with the average time between submittal and approval being 60-90 days. When applying for a new license, a public hearing must be held on the application and the applicant must demonstrate that the new establishment will meet the "needs and desires" of their defined neighborhood. This is generally demonstrated by petitions and testimony of residents and business owners in the designated boundaries, set by the Local Licensing Authority prior to the public hearing. All hearings will be posted on the proposed licensed premises for at least ten days prior to the hearing. Hearings are not held on transfers of existing licenses. In both new and transfer applications, background checks will be performed. Required forms must be submitted with appropriate fees before any processing can begin.
Licenses may be held in the name of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or individuals. Non-profit organizations may apply for special event licenses for up to ten days each year. Please submit your application at least 45 days before the scheduled event, no exceptions.
The Local Authority holds public hearings on an as-needed basis. Liquor License agendas are posted in front of the Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock at least 24 hours in advance of a hearing.
For further information on liquor licensing procedures, packets, and fees, please contact the Licensing Clerk at 303.660.7401.
