Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

Outdoor Open Air Liquor Permit

*The Department of Consumer Protection will begin accepting applications for the new year-long option, but will not issue any such year-long permit before October 1, 2023.  The six-month option that previously existed will be accepted and processed as normal.*

What does the Outdoor Open Air Permit allow?

The Outdoor Open Air Permit allows the holder of the permit (called the “backer”) to sell and serve alcoholic beverages in a lot, yard, green or other outdoor open space they control (called the “permit premise”).  This is an “on-premise permit,” which means the customers must drink the alcoholic beverages at the venue. 

 

Will any outdoor space work for an Outdoor Open Air Permit?

No.  There are a few requirements that must be met.  You cannot simply pick any vacant lot or open space and apply for a permit.  The space must be approved by the local zoning, town clerk, health, and fire marshal officials.  The space where alcohol is allowed cannot be more than one acre in size, and a temporary fence or wall that is at least 30 inches high must enclose this area.

o   NOTE:  Your overall space may be larger than one acre, however alcohol sales and consumption must be restricted to a one-acre parcel.  Permanent structures - like pavilions or patios - and temporary fixtures -like tents and mobile units - are all allowed to be in the designated area. 

 

Are there any other requirements for the Outdoor Open Air Permit?

Yes, there are two other requirements:

1.    Food must be available for sale to customers to eat during all hours you sell alcohol under this permit.  Food can be prepared on site, be provided by a food truck or caterer, consist of prepackaged items, or satisfied by having delivery menus on hand for restaurants in the area that will deliver to your site. 

2.    Restrooms or enclosed portable toilets must be available either within the permitted one-acre area or close by. 

 

How long is the Outdoor Open Air Permit good for?

The backer may select how long the permit lasts.  There are two available options: (1) as a twelve-month long permit, and (2) as a six-month long permit.  If you select a six-month option, you must pick one of the predetermined date ranges: either April 1st to September 30th or May 1st to October 31st. 

 

Please note that there is no provisional permit option available for the Outdoor Open Air Permit. 

 

What are the hours I’m allowed to sell and serve alcohol under the Outdoor Open Air Permit?

This permit has the same hours as any on-premise restaurant or café: Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1: a.m. the next morning; Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2 a.m. the next morning; and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. the next morning.  

 

Is the Outdoor Open Air Permit renewable?

No.  This permit cannot be renewed, regardless of whether you request the twelve-month permit or the six-month permit.  Every extension of the permit requires an entire new application.  One backer cannot apply more than one time in any calendar year.   If you plan to apply for this permit on a yearly basis, a new application with all new and updated documents must be submitted each year (the use of prior year’s application documents will not be allowed).

 

How is the Outdoor Open Air Permit different from other permits?

People often apply for the Outdoor Open Air Permit by accident. While the Department of Consumer Protection will ultimately get you into the correct permit, it saves time to apply for the right permit at the start.  Here are common application mistakes we see.

  • Extension of Use:  The Outdoor Open Air permit is not necessary if you already have another on-premise permit, like a restaurant or café permit, and want to include a patio or other outdoor space.  You only need to request an extension of use to extend the parameters of your current permit; you do not need to get a second permit.
  • Festival Permit: The Festival Permit is a temporary permit of up to four days that allows manufacturers to sell and serve their own products at events like a wine showcasing or beer tasting.  The Outdoor Open Air permit requires more permanency, and allows the backer to sell and serve alcoholic beverage products that they purchase from a wholesaler or manufacturer. 


Application Process

What is the application process for a Open Air Permit?

Applying for a permit is a multi-step process, but the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is here to answer your questions and provide the forms, information, and assistance you need. Below is a brief overview the steps in the application process (see further down for detailed information and screenshots).

  • Complete the on-premises application:  This application is available online at www.elicense.ct.gov.  Fill out the application and upload the documents required. You will need to obtain signatures from your local town clerk, zoning officer, fire marshal, and health department as part of your application
  • Submit the application:  After you have filled out the application and collected all required documents, you will mail your application to Liquor Control with a check for the required fee (the fee varies depending on the type of permit).  (Right now, applications can only be submitted by paper; online applications are coming soon!)
  • DCP review: Your application will be reviewed by DCP staff for completeness.  If there are any issues with your application or the documents submitted, you’ll receive a notice that explains what needs to be fixed.
  • Liquor Agent review and inspection: A Liquor Control Agent will be assigned to review your application in depth and check for any issues.  The Agent will also schedule a time to meet with the permittee and inspect the premises. 
  • Final approval:  Once the Liquor Control Agent determines that your application is complete and your premises is ready for a permit, your application will be submitted to the Liquor Control Commission or their designee for approval.  If approved, you will receive your permit and can begin to sell and serve alcohol.  If not approved for any reason, your application will be scheduled for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission.

How long does the application process take?

It takes DCP about 4 weeks from receipt of a completed application to issue an Open Air Permit, although we aim to be faster

How much does a permit cost?

All Outdoor Open Air Permits require a $100.00 filing fee, plus the permit fee.  The permit fee varies:

  • For a twelve month permit: $4,000
  • For a six month permit: $2,000


What information do I need for the application?

  • The backer: The business entity controlling and running the operation will be the “backer” of the permit, which means it is sponsoring the permit.  We will need the name and business address of the entity.
  • The permittee: We need the name and contact information for one individual who will be responsible for the alcohol.  This person will be the “permittee” and is the person we can talk to about the application or if there are any issues with the event.  The permittee must be able to read and understand English, and be a director, employee, member, officer, partner or shareholder of the backer.  For these purposes, “employee” means a person whose work performance is controlled by the backer and who has compensation reported by the backer on a federal tax Form W-2.
  • Local approval: Local officials must confirm that you are allowed to serve alcohol at your venue.  This requires a form signed by the town clerk, fire marshal, zoning official, and local police.  You will fill out the signature form, print it, and bring it to local officials.  Once fully signed, scan it or take a picture and have it ready to upload as part of your online application.
  • Sketch: Please provide a detailed sketch (by hand is allowed) that shows where you plan to sell alcohol, conduct tastings, or have alcohol consumed.  It is helpful to include any plan for fences or visual crowd controls.  If your event is outdoors, please be sure to mark the permitter of the event.

When and how do I apply?

Please apply online at least four weeks prior to your event, but it is never too early to apply.  We encourage you to apply early in case we have questions about your application.

 

Online Application Instructions

The instructions below will help you access the Outdoor Open Air Permit.  Please note that this application will be accepted online only.

Step 1:  Create eLicense account. To complete this application, you must be signed into eLicense using an account registered to backer. In other words, when you set up the eLicense account, you must use the backer entity’s name and should selected the “business” option instead of the “individual” option.  You may create the online account before the application now before the application is live.  (Note: If your backer entity previously created an eLicense account, you may utilize the same account, which may reduce the amount of information you need to enter.)

To set up an account, visit www.eLicense.ct.gov.  Click “Register.”




On the next screen, select “Business.” 




On the next screen, you will enter your account information.  This will require you to create a user ID and password, and enter an email address.  This information is important.  This email address will be primary way the Department communicates about your application and the email address tied to the final permit, if issued.  Choose an email address that is frequently checked and will continue to be monitored after the application period.  Please maintain the user ID and password for future use, too. (Note: If you would like an attorney or consultant to receive information about your application, there will be an opportunity to enter their contact information when you fill out the application.  Do not enter that information here.)






Next, you will enter the information about your backer entity, including name and primary backer address.  This should be the address where your backer entity is established for all tax and business purposes; it may be different than your permit premise address. 




Finally, complete the Captcha and click “create account.”



Step 2.  Verify your account.  The first time you log into eLicense utilizing your business account, you’ll need to verify the account and the email address provided. 

Step 3. Access the application.  After you are fully logged in, you may start your application. 

Click on the “Online Services” menu in the top right of the screen. 



From the drop down menu, select “Initial Application.”



You will come to the online applications screen. (First photo)  Scroll until you see “Liquor-Retail Permits,” and click the down arrow. (Second photo).







Click on the link for “On-Premise.” You will enter the application and can begin filling it out.  As you answer questions, you’ll be drawn into the specific set of questions applicable to the Outdoor Open Air permit. 
 



Note that you do not have to complete the application all at once.  You may save your work and come back to it.  Simply follow the instructions above (“Online Services” à “Initial Application”) and when you come to the main online application screen, you will see a link to your pending application. 

Step 4.  Fill out the application.  You must enter information about your backer entity, permittee, and business address.  You’ll also be asked questions about your business operation.   

You will additionally be asked to upload a variety of required documents, including:

  • Property documents (Proposed Premises)
    • Lease, deed, or proof of right to occupy
    • Diagram, sketch, plan or blueprint of permit premise
    • Photos of the completed and furnished interior premises
    • Photos of the exterior trade name sign, taken from a position across the street or highway
  • Operations Documents
    • Menu of food prepared on site and/or take out menus from restaurants for delivery to premises

We recommend scanning and saving as many documents as possible to your computer so that they are readily available to upload to your online application. 


For any additional questions, please contact the Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division at DCP.LiquorControl@ct.gov.