CTDOT, DCP Highlight New Mandatory Liquor Permittee Education Program

New training videos required for liquor permit applicants under recently enacted state law

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), today joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to highlight Connecticut's new mandatory liquor permittee education program.

Effective January 1, 2026, this statewide initiative, which is required under recently enacted legislation, ensures applicants complete a free educational training to receive a liquor permit. It also strengthens compliance, promotes responsible alcohol sales, and enhances public safety across the state.

The training includes state-developed videos and materials designed to help applicants understand responsible alcohol sales, the prevention of sales to minors, avoidance of overservice, restrictions on promotions, legal hours of sale and other compliance topics. Under the new law, applicants must complete the education program as a condition of receiving a liquor permit.

The liquor education requirement is outlined in Public Act No. 2551, which specifies that no final liquor permit shall be issued unless the applicant, backer, and permittee have completed the mandated education program.

"This new requirement sets a clear statewide standard for what it means to hold a liquor permit in Connecticut," said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "By modernizing and standardizing education for liquor applicants, we are reinforcing the importance of safe, lawful alcohol service."

"Education is one of our most effective tools when it comes to improving safety on our roadways and in our communities," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This program helps ensure permit applicants understand their responsibilities and reinforces the role responsible alcohol sales plays in public safety."

CTDOT provided grant funding to support the development of the education materials, which are administered by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection as part of the liquor permit application process. Separate training modules are required for on-premises and off-premises permit applicants.

"This requirement reinforces that holding a liquor permit is a privilege that carries legal responsibilities," said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. "The training emphasizes best practices for preventing underage sales, recognizing intoxication, and complying with state law, while making clear that DCP supports permittees in making responsible decisions."

On and off premise liquor permittees will be required to complete the program, if they submit one of the following applications on or after January 1, 2026:

• New application
• Transfer of Interest / Transfer of Stock applications
• Substitute Permittee applications

The program will also be available as an optional requirement for all existing permittees and establishment employees if a permittee would like their staff to complete the training. The program is available to all permittees, employees, and the public on the Department of Consumer Protection website.

"This training equips frontline staff with the knowledge and confidence to identify fake identification, recognize signs of intoxication, and intervene safely, legally, and consistently," said Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Deputy Commissioner Colleen Harrington. "When retailers understand not only what the rules are, but why they exist, compliance becomes a shared community responsibility rather than a mandate. Education empowers permittees to protect their customers, their employees, and their businesses while strengthening community safety. This is not the job of one agency alone, as it is a collective effort involving public health, transportation, regulation, law enforcement, retailers, families, and community members. When agencies work together, we create aligned prevention messaging, shared accountability, and stronger outcomes."

The press conference was held at Wise Old Dog Liquor Store in West Hartford, one of the locations where the education videos were filmed.

More information about Connecticut's liquor permit requirements and education program is available through the Department of Consumer Protection.