Wyoming Special Event Liquor Permit: Cost, Rules & How to Apply
Quick answer
In Wyoming, alcohol at a one-off public or fundraising event is covered by the 24-hour malt beverage permit (issued locally), open to any responsible person or organization, for a picnic, bazaar, fair, rodeo, special holiday or similar public gathering. It costs $10 to $50 per 24-hour period, payable to the local licensing authority. The limit is 12 a year.
General information from the state's published rules, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency before your event.
Permit at a glance
- Permit name
- 24-hour malt beverage permit (issued locally)
- Official source
- wyoleg.gov State statute — W.S. 12-4-502
- Fee
- $10 to $50 per 24-hour period, payable to the local licensing authority
- Annual limit
- 12 a year
- Nonprofits only
- No
- Last verified
- Sep 16, 2026
Who it covers
Who can apply in Wyoming.
Who can apply: Any responsible person or organization, for a picnic, bazaar, fair, rodeo, special holiday or similar public gathering
Malt beverages only, consumed on the permitted premises; not for a continuing business. Each permit covers one 24-hour period. Limit: 12 malt beverage permits per person or organization for the same premises per year.
- How much does a Wyoming 24-hour malt beverage permit cost?
- $10 to $50 per 24-hour period
- How long does a permit last?
- One 24-hour period, within the operating hours set under W.S. 12-5-101
- How many permits can one organization get per year?
- 12 malt beverage permits and 36 catering permits for the same premises per year
- Is a public hearing required?
- No, the permit is issued without public notice or hearing
- Can a malt beverage permit holder sell wine or liquor?
- No, only malt beverages may be sold on the permitted premises
- Can guests take drinks off the event premises?
- No, malt beverages may not be sold or consumed off the permitted premises
- Rodeo arena permits
- Rodeo grounds with seating over 7,500 can get a special malt beverage permit; fee capped at twice the 24-hour permit maximum per event day
- Rodeo arena seating threshold
- Total seating capacity over 7,500
- Resort licensees and catering
- Resort liquor licensees may sell off their premises only under a catering permit
| Other permit types | Who | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Catering permit (for retail liquor license holders) | Holders of a retail or resort retail liquor license that allows off-premises sale of alcoholic and malt beverages | $10 to $50 per 24-hour period, payable to the local licensing authority |
| Special malt beverage permit for public auditoriums, civic centers or events centers | Any responsible person or organization | Fee set by the local licensing authority |
How to apply
2 steps, in order.
- Apply to the local licensing authority (city, town or county); no public notice or hearing is required.
- Include a designation of the event: the type of event and the name of the sponsor.
Neighbors
How Wyoming compares.
| State | Fee | Lead time | Nonprofit only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $10 to $50 per 24-hour period, payable to the local licensing authority | — | No |
| Colorado | State fee: $10 per day for a malt beverage permit, $25 per day for a malt, vinous and spirituous liquor permit; plus a local investigation/issuance fee of up to $100 | — | No |
| Idaho | $20 for beer, $20 for wine | 14 days | Yes |
Across the border
What changes next door.
- Wyoming lets more than nonprofits apply; Idaho does not.
Also needed in Wyoming
Training and liability.
Server training
Voluntary in Wyoming. APIS data as of 1/1/2025. Voluntary program. APIS minimum ages (on-premises): serve beer/wine/spirits 18/18/18, bartend 21/21/21.
Liability
Wyo. Stat. § 12-8-301 Anyone who legally provided alcohol is not liable for damage caused by the drinker's intoxication. A licensee or person can still be liable if the alcohol was sold or provided in violation of Wyoming's alcohol laws. Classification: limited (legal providers are immune; liability only for sales that violate Title 12).
Next steps
Related.
Sources
- Wyoming — 24-hour malt beverage permit (issued locally) · State statute — W.S. 12-4-502, checked Sep 16, 2026
- Wyoming — server training · Federal summary (NIAAA APIS), checked Jul 29, 2026
General information, not legal advice.