SB 23-264

Senate Bill 23-264 changes the rules for alcohol festivals in Colorado. It now requires organizers to apply for a permit at least 30 days before the event instead of just 10 business days, and it doubles the fee from $25 annually to $50 per festival. The bill also allows organizers to participate in up to 52 festivals each year if they partner with other licensed sellers. Additionally, it updates how these events are counted over a calendar year rather than a rolling 12-month period. This bill was signed into law and went into effect on June 1, 2023.

Official Summary

Currently, certain persons licensed to sell alcohol beverages (licensee) may apply for a permit to hold a festival. The act makes the following changes to the festival permitting process: Requires the licensee to file a permit application at least 30 calendar days before the festival, which increases the current requirement of at least 10 business days before the festival; Increases the fee for a permit from $25 annually to $50 per festival; Authorizes a licensee to jointly participate in up to 52 festivals held by other licensees; and Changes the window during which festivals are counted for the purpose of determining how many festivals a licensee holds or participates in from 12 months after the issuance of a permit to a calendar year. APPROVED by Governor May 17, 2023 EFFECTIVE June 1, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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