What does this permit allow?
This permit allows noncommercial entities (like charities, religious organizations, parent-teacher organizations, etc.) to sell beer, cider, wine, and spirits at fundraising events or social gatherings. The proceeds of the event or gathering must be used to support the tax-exempt activities of the noncommercial entity. If no money is collected, the event must still support the entity’s mission of the entity (for example, raising awareness about the sponsored cause).
This permit also allows noncommercial entities to auction beer, cider, wine, or spirits. The auction can be conducted in-person at an event or on-line. The proceeds of the auction must be used to support the tax-exempt activities of the noncommercial entity.
Note: This permit does not allow you to raffle alcohol. The raffling of any type of alcoholic beverage is prohibited by municipal statutes. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-177.
What does this permit not allow?
It does not allow manufacturers to show up to your event and sell alcohol and keep the profits of what they sell. If manufacturers want to keep money from the sale of alcohol from your event, then you should look at the Festival Permit.
- Example: You want to hold a two-day beer tasting event to fundraise for your charity. You’ll charge tickets to gain entry to the event, and the event will be attended Connecticut breweries. The breweries will do tastings and sell their beer; the breweries keep their own profits. You need both a temporary nonprofit permit (for your ticket sales) and a festival permit (for the manufacturers to attend and keep their profit). If the manufacturers donate all their profits or donate the beer used at the event, then a festival permit is not necessary and you only need the temporary nonprofit permit.
Who can apply?
Any noncommercial entity may apply, which means the entity does not conduct business for commercial reasons or to earn monetary compensation. This includes those organizations with 501(c)(3) status, but any organization with tax-exempt status may apply. Municipal entities, government organizations, non-profits, schools, religious institutions, and charities may all apply.
Nonprofit clubs and golf clubs that currently hold a liquor permit on their club premise may also apply for this permit if they plan to hold a fundraising event at another location.
Do I need a permit? (Hint: The answer is almost always yes!)
You need a permit to sell alcohol and to accept donations of alcohol.
1. To sell alcohol in Connecticut and keep profits from selling alcohol, you must have a permit. “Sell” is broadly interpreted, and this means most events will require a permit.
- Example: A charity wants to hold a fundraising gala where the ticket price includes dinner with an open bar for attendees. This requires a temporary permit because alcohol is sold as part of the ticket.
- Example: A nonprofit organization is sponsoring a dinner that offers a cash bar. All proceeds from the event and cash bar will be collected by the organization. A permit is necessary because it is keeping the proceeds of the cash bar.
If you want to accept any donations of alcohol from licensed wholesalers, manufacturers, or package stores for your event, you will need a permit.
- Example: A noncommercial literacy organization is sponsoring a free book reading. They hired a caterer to serve light refreshments and wine to guests for free. A package store has agreed to donate all the wine. Even though they are not selling the wine or tickets to the event, temporary permit is required to accept the alcohol donation.
How do I get the alcoholic beverages for my event with a permit?
- Donations: You may accept donations of beer, cider, wine, and spirits from Connecticut wholesalers, manufacturers, and package stores. This permit must be secured before you can accept donations.
- Purchase: You may purchase beer, cider, wine, and spirits from any package store or manufacturer in Connecticut. You cannot purchase anything except kegs from a wholesaler.
- Hire: You may hire a caterer or, if your event is in a venue that already holds a liquor license, utilize the alcohol on premise.
How long is the permit good for and how much does it cost?
These are temporary permits and cannot be valid for more than 20 total days in any calendar year. The days do not need to be consecutive, but the permit can only be used for one event. These permits cannot be renewed, and a new application is needed for each new event.
- Example: A charity is holding a dinner speaker series as a fundraiser, and the ticket price includes alcohol. The series is being held the first Friday of every month and is held in the same location. This is the same fundraising event, and only one permit is needed. It will be valid for those twelve dates (the first Friday of each month) only.
- Example: A nonprofit holds two galas each year, one in the winter and one in the summer. These are two different events, and two different permits are needed.
- Example: A parent-teacher committee is fundraising for classroom supplies by holding an online auction that will run for two weeks. This is one event, and the permit will be valid for those two weeks that bids are accepted.
The fee for these permits is $50 per day, plus a nonrefundable $10 application fee.
- Example: A permit for a one-day event will cost $60.
- Example: A permit for a two-week auction will cost $290.
What hours can I sell or serve alcohol?
You may only sell alcohol at your event during the following hours: Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 a.m. the next day; Friday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. the next day; and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. through 1:00 a.m. the next day.
Want to apply? Learn more about Non-Profit Fundraising Applications: