How to Get a Liquor Permit in Connecticut
So, you want to serve alcohol in Connecticut and wondering where to start. You’ve come to the right place—don’t embark on the process without help! Whether it’s a restaurant, bar, or pop-up event, getting a liquor permit is non-negotiable. Alas, it’s not simple. Between zoning rules, background checks, and piles of paperwork, the process can get overwhelming. We’re breaking it down step-by-step, and we’re here to help.
Start Your CT Liquor Permit Application
Choose the Right Permit
Not all liquor licenses are created equal. There’s a range of permit types depending on your business model. A restaurant serving wine and cocktails is different than a brewery taproom or a grocery store beer section. Some of the most common permits include:
Restaurant Liquor Permit — Restaurant Liquor (LIR) — For full-service restaurants serving beer, wine, and spirits for on-site consumption.
Café Permit — Cafe Liquor (CAF) — Used for bars, lounges, and similar venues that serve alcohol without a full restaurant setup.
Grocery Beer Permit — Grocery Store Beer (GBR) — Allows grocery stores to sell beer for off-premise consumption.
Package Store Permit — Package Store Liquor (LIP) — For retail liquor stores selling beer, wine, and spirits for off-premise consumption.
Brewery / Distillery / Winery Permit — Manufacturer Permits (MBR, MWN, LMP) — For businesses producing beer (Manufacturer Beer), wine (Manufacturer Wine), or spirits (Manufacturer Liquor).
Catering Liquor Permit — Catering Liquor (CLP) — Permits off-site alcohol service at catered events, such as weddings or private parties.
Application fees vary by type. They range from $700 for a Restaurant Wine and Beer Permit to $2,000 for a Café Liquor Permit. Specialized permit types may cost as much as $4,000.
Prepare to Submit Online
In Connecticut, liquor permit applications are submitted through the CT eLicense Portal. Make sure that your account is registered to your business, not an individual.
Liquor permit applications are evaluated by the Liquor Control division of the CT Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). The DCP reviews numerous documents with your application, focusing on three key areas: the backer, the permittee, and the location. Let’s examine the requirements for each.
CT Liquor Permit Requirements
Backer
A backer is the legal entity that owns the business that will sell alcohol. The DCP vets backers by evaluating the following documents:
Proof of the business’s formation (as an LLC or corporation)
Bank statements and financial records
Sources of funding for the venture
Each member of the backer organization—such as a partner who owns a stake in the business—must be identified in your application. Backer members will need to submit a financial authorization form, and some may need to undergo a background check as well.
Permittee
A permittee is the person who will represent the backer. They may be a shareholder of the organization or simply an employee. An aspiring permittee should expect to submit financial statements as well as undergo a background check.
To be eligible, permittees need to be at least 21, they must be able to read and understand English, and they are typically responsible for meeting Liquor Control Agents during inspections or investigations.
Location
In addition to the backing organization and the permittee, the DCP will assess the eligibility of the location of your business. Applicants should expect to submit the following documents.
Lease, or deed
Floor plans
Local Approval Addendum, including sign offs
Generally, applicants must obtain signatures from their municipality’s zoning department, fire marshal, health department, and town clerk—but local rules can require additional approvals or notifications as well. Local rules can also restrict permit types, outdoor dining, and live entertainment options. Depending upon your circumstances, additional supporting documents may be required, such as a construction stipulation, in the case that the premises are under construction.
Another common restriction involves proximity to or separation from other establishments, like schools, churches, and existing package stores or bars. If a location is not zoned appropriately for a liquor permit, applicants may need to seek a special permit or zoning variance, which could require a public hearing as well as submitting floor and site plans.
At CT Liquor Permit, we maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of zoning regulations for all 169 municipalities in the state of Connecticut. Contact us today to find out if your location is eligible, or to develop a strategy for getting approved.
Public Notification
Applicants are required to post a public notice at their location. This alerts the public and gives them a chance to raise objections. It is typically sufficient to display the placard you receive from the DCP on your front door. However, if your front door is more than 25 feet from the road, applicants must display a 4 foot by 6 foot sign stating that their liquor permit is pending. Applicants are no longer required to publish a legal notice in a local newspaper as of October 2025.
Getting Your Application Approved
Once everything’s submitted, the Liquor Control Division will review your application. The entire process usually takes 3 to 6 months, but delays are common, and applicants should expect the DCP to contact them about an on-site inspection.
To start serving alcohol earlier, applicants can request a provisional permit while the DCP finalizes their approval. Provisionals can be approved within 3 to 4 weeks, but require paying an additional $500 fee.
Obtaining a liquor license in Connecticut is serious business, and one small mistake can cost you time, money, and momentum. If you want to get it done right—and fast—reach out to us. Even better, fill out our new client in-take form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Last updated: January 2026