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Alcohol Server and Seller Training

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Colorado

Alcohol Server Training Law Mandatory
Recommended Course
Approved TIPS Programs Classroom: On Premise, Concessions, and Gaming
Online: Licensees or employees that conduct in-store tastings or for special events are required to take TIPS classroom training. All others may take the online course.
Can I become a Certified TIPS Trainer? Yes. Browse upcoming train-the-trainer workshops.
State Agency Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement
Requirements Colorado offers a voluntary Responsible Vendor Program. TIPS Classroom training is an approved provider of Colorado responsible vendor training. Also, licensees or employees that conduct in-store tastings or for special events are REQUIRED to take classroom training. TIPS Classroom training is approved.
Certification TIPS Certification is valid for 3 years.
Age to consume 21
Age to pour 18, if supervised by someone who is 21.
Age to Sell 18 to sell or participate in a sale in grocery stores or convenience stores. 21 to sell in a liquor store.
Age to Serve 18, if supervised by someone who is 21.
Notes on Selling or Serving Tavern employees must be 21 unless the tavern regularly serves full meals.
Dram Shop Liability Laws Yes
Acceptable Forms of ID

Licensees may refuse to sell alcohol beverages to any person unable to produce adequate, currently valid identification of age. The kind and type of identification deemed adequate shall be limited to the following:

  1. An operator's, chauffeur's or similar type driver's license issued by any state within the United States, any U.S. Territory, or any foreign country including Canada or Mexico.
  2. An identification card issued by any state for the purpose of proof of age
  3. A military identification card.
  4. A passport, or passport identification card.
  5. An alien registration card.
  6. A valid employment authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. A valid consular identification card from any foreign country.

It shall be an affirmative defense to any administrative action brought against a licensee for alleged sale to a minor if the minor presented fraudulent identification of the type established in paragraph A above and the licensee possessed an identification book issued within the past three years, which contained a sample of the specific kind of identification presented for compliance purposes. As an affirmative defense, the burden of proof is on the licensee to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the minor presented fraudulent identification.