📢 License Fee Increases Coming in 2026 -
Effective January 1, 2026*, retail food license fees in Colorado will increase as part of a new statewide fee schedule outlined in Senate Bill 25-285. Additional increases are scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
*2026 fees also apply to new licenses issued on or after September 1, 2025.
These fee changes apply to restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, mobile units, limited food services, and other retail food establishments.
🔍 What You Need to Know
Beginning in Calendar Year 2026, fees will be assessed based on the type and size of the food establishment. Here's a quick overview:
🍽️ Restaurants & Caterers (by Seating Capacity)
| Year | 0–100 Seats | 101–200 Seats | Over 200 Seats |
|---|
| 2026 | $481 | $538 | $581 |
| 2027 | $567 | $634 | $687 |
| 2028 | $682 | $763 | $826 |
🥪 Limited Food Service Establishments
| Year | Fee |
|---|
| 2026 | $338 |
| 2027 | $394 |
| 2028 | $475 |
🛒 Grocery Stores (by Square Footage)
| Year | Under 15,001 sq ft | Over 15,000 sq ft |
|---|
| 2026 | $244 | $441 |
| 2027 | $282 | $519 |
| 2028 | $340 | $624 |
🧀 Grocery Stores with Deli
| Year | Under 15,001 sq ft | Over 15,000 sq ft |
|---|
| 2026 | $469 | $894 |
| 2027 | $552 | $1,062 |
| 2028 | $664 | $1,276 |
🚛 Mobile Food Establishments
| Year | Full Service | Prepackaged Food |
|---|
| 2026 | $481 | $338 |
| 2027 | $567 | $394 |
| 2028 | $682 | $475 |
🏕️ Worker Housing Food Service (Oil & Gas)
| Year | Fee |
|---|
| 2026 | $1,063 |
| 2027 | $1,264 |
| 2028 | $1,519 |
📝 Retail Food Plan Review Fee
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|
| Retail Food Plan Review Application | $155 |
Note:
- 2026 fees also apply to new licenses issued on or after September 1, 2025.
- Fees listed for 2028 will remain in effect for 2029 and beyond unless updated.
- Establishments are subject to only one fee category.
