Alcohol Beverage License and Permit Expiration Passes Senate Business, Labor + Tech

DENVER, CO — The Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee passed SB20-086: Alcohol Beverage License and Permit Expiration unanimously. This bill gives the State Licensing Authority and Liquor Enforcement division authority to set a renewal application fee by rule and the ability to allow online renewals and payment of fees. Per statute, all fees must be set at an amount to cover the direct and indirect costs of the LED operations.

“SB20-086 helps solve a fundamental problem in the funding structure that has been getting worse instead of better. By altering the funding structure while also allowing for online renewal and fee payments, both the Liquor Enforcement Division and the businesses that work with them will be able to function more efficiently,” said prime sponsor Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver). 

Co-sponsor Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert said that “application fees have changed 6 times since 2016. This inconsistency has affected the market and makes the job more challenging for both licensing authorities and licensees. Stabilizing the fees gives the Liquor Enforcement Division the resources they need to do their jobs and provides the predictability small businesses need to take part in Colorado’s economy."

Allowing the Liquor Enforcement Division to set renewal fees stabilizes the new application fee and spreads the cost of licensing across all licensees. LED anticipates a $50 renewal application fee for all licensees as well as stabilizing the new application fee at $1,300. Additionally, current statute requires renewal to be done by mail. This bill eliminates that language in order to provide flexibility for licensees to adapt to changing technology, though mail will always be an option. The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

To learn more about this bill, please visit:

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-086