Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

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Temporary Liquor Permits

 
 
 
Do I need to obtain a Temporary Permit?
 
As per C.G.S. 30-77 - Disposing of Liquor without a Permit, if you intend to manufacture or, by sample, by soliciting or procuring orders, or otherwise, sell or deliver, or offer or expose for sale or delivery, or own or keep with intent to sell or deliver, or ship, transport or import into this state, you will be required to obtain a liquor permit.
 
What Does the Temporary Permit Allow?
 
A temporary permit allows the sale of beer and/or liquor at any outing, picnic or social gathering conducted by a bona fide charitable or non profit/commercial organization, which organization shall be the backer of the permittee under such permit.
 
Do I Qualify for a Temporary Permit?
 
The backer organization (not an individual) applying for the liquor permit must be a bona fide charitable 501(c)(3) or non profit/non-commercial organization.  You may be required to provide proof of your tax exempt status to the Department before permit approval.
Please note: For-profit entities or businesses would not qualify for a temporary liquor permit.
 
Who Benefits from the Sale of Alcohol during an Event?
 
All profits from the sale of such beer or alcoholic liquor shall be retained by the organization conducting such outing, picnic or social gathering and no portion thereof shall be paid, directly or indirectly, to any individual or other corporation.

 

 
 
Required Steps for completing this application:
  1. Print and complete the Temporary Liquor Permit application
  2. Create an 8 1/2" x 11" sketch of the event area that includes:
    • Where alcoholic beverages will be dispensed
    • The manner by which service to minors will be controlled
  3. Gather additional Required Documentation:
    • For any Permittee who has been convicted of a felony include a statement that includes the date of the conviction(s), the court(s) where the case(s) were disposed of and a description of the circumstances involved.
    • For any charity that does not have a Federal Tax Identification Number include a copy of the tax identification letter.
  4. Bring the application, sketch and any other documentation to city/town hall in the town the event is being held and get signatures of the:
    • City/Town Zoning Official Indicating that the sale of alcohol is allowed at that location.
    • Fire Marshal Certifying that the event complies with the local fire code (only required if the event is held indoors or in a tent)
    • City/Town Hall Clerk Certifying that the event complies with town ordinances.
    • Principal Police Authority for the town indicating their approval of the event.
  5. Bring all of the above to Police Authority in the city/town where the Permittee resides (this may be the same police authority in the prior step). This authority indicates the suitability of the Permittee.
  6. Scan the signed application, sketch and additional documentation (if you do not have a scanner you may substitute clear, readable digital photographs)
  7. Go online (click the Apply Online Button) and complete the online application.  Upload the scanned application, sketch and documents when asked. 
If no problems are found, you will be notified via email of your approval. Your notification will include your Liquor Permit.
Don’t Forget!  Bring the Liquor Permit to the town/city hall in the town that the event is being held so that they may record the permit.

Please Note:  If your event is going to be taking place within one week of your submittal, you must complete the online application.

  • Speed: Electronic communications makes the online application fastest.
  • More Speed: The work you do is recognized by handling online applications first.
  • Even More Speed: Online applications prompt you to include all required information so errors and delays are reduced.
  • The Fastest Way to Get Your Permit: When done, we email the permit to you.  No more snail mail or coming to Hartford.
Not in a rush?  You can still complete the paper application and mail in the paper application.  To do so, complete steps 1 through 5 from the list above then mail the application to the address listed on the form.