What does the Festival Permit allow?
The Festival Permit allows the holder of the permit (called the “sponsor” or the “backer”) to organize events like a beer or wine festival. This permit allows Connecticut beer, wine, cider, and spirits manufacturers to attend the event and sell the alcoholic beverages they produce. Please review our quick reference guide.
- BUT: Just because your event is called a “festival” does not mean that this is the appropriate permit for your event! This is a very specific permit designed for events that showcase alcoholic beverages. It is likely not the appropriate permit choice for carnivals, craft fairs, agricultural fairs, and food truck festivals.
- NOTE: This permit does not allow the sponsor to purchase beverages from a wholesaler or a package store, nor can the sponsor accept donations of alcohol. The sponsor cannot collect the alcohol from manufacturers and sell or serve it themselves. This permit only allows manufacturers to show up at the event and sell their own products.
Who can be a “festival sponsor”?
Non-profit entities and for-profit entities are allowed to be a festival sponsor and become the permit backer.
- Non-profit entities, specifically any entity operating on a nonprofit basis in this state, including but not limited to, civic organizations, municipalities, and associations that promote the manufacturing and selling of alcohol.
- For-profit entities, specifically any entity registered with the Secretary of State that operates for a profit and does not hold any other liquor permit.
What are manufacturers allowed to do at the festival?
Manufacturers may sell and sample their own beverages. This means they can:
- Offer free or paid samples/tastings
- Sell and ship their products to consumers who attend the festival
- Sell product to go (e.g., six packs, bottles, growlers, etc.)
- Sell product to drink at the festival (e.g., glasses of wine, cocktails, cups of beer, etc.); note that the cup or glass must be embossed or permanently labeled with the name and date of the festival
How is the Festival Permit different from other permits?
People often apply for the Festival Permit (LFP) 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.
- Temporary Noncommercial Permit (LTN): The LTN and LFP are both temporary permits and noncommercial entities are allowed to apply for both types, so this is a common mistake. The biggest difference between the two permits is that the LTN allows the noncommercial entity to accept donations of alcohol from wholesalers, package stores, and manufacturers; the holder of an LFP cannot accept donations. The second biggest difference is the LTN allows the noncommercial entity to sell (and serve) donated or purchased alcohol and keep the profits. Under an LFP permit, each individual manufacturer must sell (and serve) their own alcohol and they keep the money from those sales. You may need BOTH permits to fully cover your event.
- Hint: If you are a noncommercial entity looking to fundraise, you most likely want an LTN.
- Outdoor Open Air Permit (LSE):The LSE is a permit that last for at least six months up to one year, unlike the festival permit which can only last for a maximum of four days. The festival permit is a “temporary” permit, while the LSE requires more permanence. The LSE is geared toward outdoor restaurants, fairs, and venues that operate for longer than a short-term festival.
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What information will I need for my Festival Permit application?