Can I prepare the liquor application myself?
Answer:  Did you every try a “do it yourself” project only to find out that the amount and complexity of work involved was a lot more than what you bargained for?  Such is the case with the liquor permitting application process. You run the risk of paperwork being improperly prepared, the possibility of not including required exhibits, and the omission of information, all resulting in the application being returned by The Department of Consumer Protection for deficiency, by regular mail, which process would result in the loss of valuable time, thereby delaying the time for approval of the application.  Also, applications must be signed off by local zoning, fire marshal, and town clerk, and Connecticut Liquor Permit assumes that responsibility to fulfill that requirement as part of its service.

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 Do I need an attorney to help me apply for a liquor permit?
Answer:  An attorney is required to review and negotiate an asset purchase agreement and handle lease negotiations.  The liquor permit process is detail-oriented and time sensitive and it is best to use a consultant/expediter, who handles applications regularly to ensure that the permit is filed accurately, important dates are not missed, and that the application proceeds in the most efficient manner possible.

How long does it take to receive approval?

Answer:  A properly completed application takes approximately three to four weeks to receive approval of the provisional permit.  If the application contains errors or omissions, it will be returned for deficiency, by regular mail, which will delay the approval process by several weeks.  Once the provisional permit is approved, the file is assigned to an agent, who will thereafter make an appointment to make a physical inspection of the premises.  Thereafter, the agent prepares its report and turns it into Commission.  At a hearing of the Commission, the application will be approved for final.

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 If the provisional permit is valid for 90 days, how do I obtain a final liquor permit and what happens if I am not approved for a final permit within that 90 days?
Answer:  A provisional permit is granted for 90 days.  At the time of approval of the provisional permit, the file is assigned to an agent who will make a physical inspection of the premises.  The timing of the physical inspection depends on the schedule of the agent.  Most often, the assigned agent will make its physical inspection within the 90-day time frame; however, in some cases, the agent may be filled with several files and unable to make its inspection within that 90-day time period.  Connecticut Liquor Permit keeps track of the expiration dates of provisional permits, and, if the agent has not yet made its physical inspection, completed its report, or Commission has not yet acted on the file, then Connecticut Liquor Permit files a written request for an extension of the provisional liquor permit for an additional 90-day period.  Written requests for extensions are critical, as expired permits will be unable to order liquor from distributors.
 

Can I purchase the liquor permit from the seller of a business?
Answer:  No.  Liquor Permits in Connecticut are not salable.  A liquor permit is a personal privilege.  When a business is sold, the liquor permit is not included in the assets.  Each new owner must apply for its own liquor permit.

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How do I know if a liquor permit will be allowed at a location?
Answer:  If you are thinking of starting a business at a new location, where there had not previously been a liquor permit, you find out from local zoning to whether the type of liquor permit sought is an approved use in the zone.  Connecticut Liquor Permit will contact local zoning on your behalf to find the answer.

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How many package stores are allowed in a particular city/town and how do I know if  there are distance requirements?
Answer:  A certain number of package stores are allowed per city/town in the State of Connecticut based upon the population of that particular city/town.  Connecticut Liquor Permit will inform you as to the availability of package store permits in a particular city/town.  Most cities/towns have distance requirements as to package stores and local zoning must be contacted to obtain that information.

Once I receive my liquor permit, is it okay if new investors want to join my business and add their names to the backer LLC or corporation?
Answer:  If new individuals invest in your business and become officers of the backer Corporation or members of the backer LLC, then request for a transfer of interest is required to be filed with the Department of Consumer Protection.  The department must approve all transfers of interest.

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What is a permittee?
Answer:  The permittee is the individual appointed by the business to be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities at the permit premises.  The permittee is titled the “applicant” at the time of application.  He must be an individual that can read and understand the English language.  His name appears on the front door of the permit premises.  If he no longer works for the permit premises, a substitute permittee
application must be filed immediately.

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What is a backer?
Answer:  The backer is the owner of the permit at the permit premises.  It can be an Individual as a sole-proprietor; however, more often, the backer is an LLC or corporation specifically set up for this business.  If during the time of ownership of the business any changes are made to the backer LLC or corporation, a request must first be made to The Department of Consumer Protection requesting approval.

For more answers to questions you may have about obtaining and maintaining a liquor permit in the State of CT please contact us.