Liquor License

How to Obtain a License

To obtain a liquor license in San Miguel County, please contact the Clerk's office at 970-728-3954 or recording@sanmiguelcountyco.gov.

Town-Specific Licenses

For licenses within the towns of Telluride, Mountain Village, Sawpit or Norwood, please contact those towns directly.

New License / Transfer of License

The process for a new license or to transfer ownership of an existing license can take at least 90 days, and usually takes three to five months.

It is highly recommended that you meet with the Clerk's Office when completing your application, as there are many requirements that need to be met to obtain a liquor license. Failure to meet any of these requirements could delay the application process.

CBI Fingerprints are required for New or Transferred Licenses

Liquor License Renewals

Liquor licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Approximately 90 days prior to expiration, the Department of Revenue should send you your renewal forms. If you do not receive these, please contact Liquor Enforcement at 303-205-2300.

Please complete the renewal forms and return them to the San Miguel County Clerk's Office. Do not return them directly to the State.

Include two checks with your renewal, one for the Colorado Department of Revenue and one for San Miguel County. Please contact the Clerk's Office for the renewal fees.

Manager's Registration

All licensees possessing either a Hotel and Restaurant or a Tavern License are required to register their managers with local and state authorities. Should your designated manager cease to work for you, you must notify San Miguel County within 5 days and register a new manager within 30 days.

To register a manager complete the following forms:

  • Report of Changes
  • Individual History
  • Fingerprint card

Special Event License Guidelines

If you are a nonprofit agency and are planning to hold a liquor-related event at an establishment in San Miguel County that does not possess a liquor license, you must apply for a Special Events Permit. All applications must be received by the Clerk and Recorder's office 60 days prior to the date of the event to allow for proper processing. Failure to do so will result in your application being denied. You may be asked to appear before the Board of County Commissioners.

Special Event Application fees are $100 per event, and the license fees are $10 - $25 per day (depending on the type of alcohol served).