Festival Liquor Permit (LFP)

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. 

• 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

When can the festival be held?

A Festival Permit can be effective for up to four consecutive days.  It can be held during any month of the year.  The hours you may sell or serve alcohol at your festival are: Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Note that towns may be more restrictive. 

Where can a festival be held?

A Festival Permit can be issued to an event that is solely indoors, solely outdoors, or is held both indoors and outdoors.  You should check with your town to see if any local ordinances limit your venue options. 

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  

                        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 LFP which can only last for a maximum of four days. The LFP 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.  
  
  

Application Process

What is the application process for a Festival Permit?

Applying for a permit is a multi-step process, but the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is here to answer your questions and provide the forms, information, and assistance you need. 

Below is a brief overview the steps in the application process (see further down for detailed information and screenshots):

• Complete the on-premises application:  This application is available online at www.elicense.ct.gov.  Fill out the application and upload the documents required. 
• Submit the application online:  After you have filled out the application and uploaded all required documents, you will submit your application to Liquor Control via the online system.  You will have to pay the fee via credit card. (More information on fees below.)
• DCP review: Your application will be reviewed by DCP staff for completeness.  If there are any issues with your application or the documents submitted, you’ll receive a notice that explains what needs to be fixed. 
• Final approval:  Once staff determines that your application is complete and your premises is ready for a permit, your application will be submitted to the Liquor Control Commission or their designee for approval.  If approved, you will receive your permit and can hold your festival.  If not approved for any reason, your application will be scheduled for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission.

How long does the application process take?

It takes DCP about 4 weeks from receipt of a completed application to issue a Festival Permit, although we aim to be faster.  Any issues with incomplete applications results in delays. 

How much does a permit cost?

All Festival Permits require a $10.00 filing fee, plus the permit fee.  The permit fee varies:

• For non-profit entities: $75
• For for-profit entities: $275

What information do I need for the application?

• The event: We need the details of the event, including the date(s), time, and location. 
• The backer: The “festival sponsor” will be the “backer” of the permit, which means it is sponsoring the permit.  We will need the name and business address of the entity.  If the backer is a non-profit entity, we will need proof of tax-exempt or non-commercial status, like a federal IRS notice.  If it is a for-profit entity, we will need a copy of your Secretary of State registration.
• The permittee: We need the name and contact information for one individual who will be responsible for the alcohol at the event.  This person will be the “permittee” and is the person we can talk to about the application or if there are any issues with the event.
• Local approval: Local officials must confirm that you are allowed to serve alcohol at your venue.  This requires a form signed by the town clerk, fire marshal, zoning official, and local police.  You will fill out the signature form, print it, and bring it to local officials.  Once fully signed, scan it or take a picture and have it ready to upload as part of your online application.  
• Sketch: Please provide a detailed sketch (by hand is allowed) that shows where you plan to sell alcohol, conduct tastings, or have alcohol consumed.  It is helpful to include any plan for fences or visual crowd controls.  If your event is outdoors, please be sure to mark the permitter of the event.
• Event description: Write a summary describing: how the event will be conducted; what protections will be in place to ensure minors do not purchase alcohol; how staff will ensure intoxicated persons are identified and not served; and any other planned controls to ensure the safe sale and service of alcohol to patrons.
• Participating manufacturers: After your permit has been approved, you must add all eligible manufacturers that will be participating at the festival.  This will be done through the same eLicense account that you use to apply (see below.)

When and how do I apply?

Please apply online at least four weeks prior to your event, but it is never too early to apply.  We encourage you to apply early in case we have questions about your application.

Important: To complete this application, you should be signed into eLicense using an account registered to the sponsoring entity. In other words, when you set up the eLicense account, you must use the noncommercial entity’s name and should selected the “business” option instead of the “individual” option. 

o   Example: John Smith wants to apply for festival permit in the name of the charity he volunteers at named “Best Friends Pet Adoption Society.”  John will be the permittee. When he logs into eLicense and creates an account, he will make sure the account is set up under the name Best Friends Pet Adoption Society and select "Business".  He will enter his own name as Permittee when filling out the application.

 

After you are logged into the sponsoring entity’s account, navigate to the “Online Services” tab in the top right of the screen and then click “initial application” from the drop-down menu.

On the next screen, scroll until you see “Liquor Control.”  Expand the menu and select “Festival Liquor Permit (LFP).” 

Click “Start” on the next screen and follow the prompts.  

Please Note:  This application must be submitted Online only.  The signature form should be printed and completed in its entirety in order to upload to your online application.  If a paper application is mailed to the department, it will be returned to you.

 For any additional questions, please contact the Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division at DCP.LiquorControl@ct.gov.

Legacy Paper Application (Do Not Use, effective 8/23; maintained solely for document retention): Initial PDF Paper Application