How do I add live entertainment options to my existing permit?

Live entertainment (such as acoustics, live bands, DJs, karaoke, or magicians, etc) is not automatically allowed with a liquor permit. If you want to offer live entertainment at your licensed premises, you must apply to have it added to your existing permit.

Check Your Current Permit

• Review your existing liquor permit to see if “live entertainment” is already endorsed on your current liquor license.

• If it is not listed on your license, you cannot legally host live entertainment until it is formally added.

File an Application for Adding Live Entertainment to Amend Your Permit

1. Complete the Adding Live Entertainment Application

• This form can be submitted at any time during the permit’s duration.
  

2. Include a detailed description of the type(s) of entertainment you want to offer (for example: “acoustic music,” “karaoke,” “DJ and dancing,” or “full bands”).

3. Submit the completed application, including the local zoning signature for all added live entertainment check boxes, scanned by email to DCP.LiquorControl@ct.gov.

Review by the Department

• Once received, Liquor Control staff will review your amendment request.

• If complete, licensing staff will send a placard by email, with instructions to complete the placarding process. The placard will be posted outside your premises and give notice to the public that you are amending entertainment options. 
  

• Once the placarding process has completed, you will sign the notice stating you posted your placard.  Return it to the Department by email. 

Approval and Operating

• Once the department receives your signed certification of completion of the placard notification process, a new permit will be sent to you with the live entertainment endorsed on your permit.
  

• You may then legally host the approved types of entertainment at your premises.

Important Notes

• Operating live entertainment without prior approval is a violation of your permit and may result disciplinary enforcement action.

• The permittee remains responsible for compliance during entertainment events.
  

• Live entertainment is approved for inside a permit premises.  Outdoor live entertainment is prohibited, unless specifically annotated by local officials on their approval sign off.

Where to Find Forms and Help