*Originally published by LaszloLaw
If you are starting a Colorado brewery or Brewpub you will need to apply for a Brewer’s Notice with the TTB and a Manufacturer’s License with the State of Colorado. If you intend to have a salesroom (tasting room), you will also need to apply for a Colorado Wholesale license, and a Colorado Liquor Sales Room. It is important to know the current processing timelines for Colorado brewery applications as you will not be permitted to brew beer until you have been approved by the Federal Government (TTB) and State of Colorado. You should expect between 4-6 months to get your Colorado Brewery formed and licensed with the TTB and State of Colorado.
If you are starting a Colorado Brewery, you can expect:
TTB Brewer’s Notice: In May, 2023 the average number of days to process a TTB Brewer’s Notice Application was just about 52 days (as of May 31, 2023 – the most current TTB update). That’s twelve days MORE more than it was in April. The time to process your Brewer’s Notice can vary depending on completeness of application and additional information needed by TTB. KEEP IN MIND these dates are AVERAGES, however it appears the quick processing times are coming to an end.
State of Colorado Beer Manufacturer’s License: You’ll also need a Colorado Liquor License. The State of Colorado generally processes Beer Manufacturer’s Licenses in 3-4 months. It is best to submit the Colorado Brewer’s License Application at the same time you submit your TTB application.
County / City Licensing: If you are starting a Colorado Brew Pub, you will need to apply for the TTB Brewer’s Notice and a Colorado Brew Pub License at the local Colorado city or county level. Applying for a Colorado Brew Pub License could take additional time to process as the timeline for local licensing authority processing is different than the State of Colorado licensing process.
Things You’ll Need BEFORE Starting a Colorado Brewery:
- Properly form a Colorado LLC or Corporation
- Colorado LLC Operating Agreement, OR
- Colorado Corporation Shareholder’s Agreement
- Document Loans and other Financial Agreements
- Executed Lease
- Federal and State Tax Numbers
- Individual History Forms (Background Checks) for individuals with financial interest
This is not an exhaustive list of things you’ll need to consider before starting your Colorado Brewery, but these are the key items you’ll need to address right away.