Off-Premises Caterer Liquor Permit (LCT)

This permit allows a caterer to sell and serve alcoholic liquor at functions for which the caterer has been hired.  To qualify for this permit, the business must be “regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings.”  Part of the application process will require you to submit a sample food menu. This is not a mobile bar permit; Connecticut does not offer a mobile bar permit. 

  • Note: A caterer is not required to sell food at every event it caters. However, an off-premises caterer cannot exclusively cater events without food because a caterer must still be “regularly engaged in the business of providing food.”
  • Note: "Food” is broadly interpreted and does not necessarily mean full meals prepared from scratch by the caterer. The caterer may source items from restaurants or use pre-packaged items. Alternatively, the caterer can focus on one type of food like desserts or charcuterie.

Prior to catering an event, the caterer must provide notice of the date, location and hours of each event at which alcohol is served under such permit at least one day in advance of such event.  Utilize the eLicense account tied to your permit to complete the notification.

Off-premises caterers are also prohibited from engaging in “self-dealing or self-hiring.”  This mean that off-premises caterers must be hired for events and must have a written contract with the person organizing the event.  An off-premises caterer cannot create their own events to cater. An off-premises caterer may have an exclusivity contract with a venue, provided that the caterer is available to be hired – and is actually hired – at other locations, too.

The holder of a Restaurant Liquor (LIR) or Restaurant Wine and Beer (LRW) permit does not need to obtain a separate off premises caterer liquor license to provide liquor at contracted events.  However, LIR and LRW permit holders must complete the Caterer Notification Requirement above, one business day in advance of their event.

To apply:

  1. Complete the off-premises online application
  2. As part of your application, submit:
    1. CT Sales and Use Tax Permit
    2. CT Secretary of State Registration
    3. Proof that your business is regularly engaged in the service of food (e.g., menu)
    4. Example copy of a catering contract and/or exclusivity agreement with venue (if applicable)
  3. Fee ($100 filing fee plus $440 permit fee)