Colorado COMPS Order Poster in Denver, Colorado (2026)
Colorado health inspectors will issue a cease-and-desist if your restaurant cannot produce a visible COMPS Order Poster during a walk-through — and Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment enforces this requirement at every food service license inspection. The Colorado COMPS Order Poster (also called a Compliance Operations Management Posting System poster, or compliance order documentation) must be posted in a location visible to staff and customers. This form has 17 fields, and ApronPrep auto-fills 14 of them. There are no government filing fees for this poster — you print and post it yourself. Most applicants complete this in under 15 minutes with ApronPrep, which auto-fills 14 of 17 fields.
Analyzed from Colorado COMPS Order Poster
82% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Colorado COMps Order Poster
The Colorado COMPS Order Poster is a mandatory workplace notice required by the Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards (COMPS) Order No. 39, published by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). This regulation consolidates the state's minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest periods, and other critical pay standards into a single, enforceable rule. In Denver, your business must also comply with the city's own minimum wage ordinance, which sets a higher local rate, and display both the state COMPS poster and the Denver-specific wage notice. The requirement is also grounded in broader state statutes governing workplace posters and wage theft prevention. Failure to display the correct, current poster is considered a violation of wage and hour laws, opening your business to compliance actions.
Not having the proper, up-to-date poster posted conspicuously where employees can see it carries significant risks. Based on enforcement actions and CDLE guidance, the primary consequences include:
- Civil Penalties & Back Wages: The CDLE can assess civil penalties for each violation. More critically, if a wage violation is found (like unpaid overtime), you are liable for the full amount of back wages owed plus, in cases of willful violation, an equal amount in liquidated damages—effectively doubling the owed sum.
- Wage Theft Investigations: Under Colorado's wage theft statute, failure to provide required wage statements or notices can be considered a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount, leading to criminal penalties including fines and potential jail time for responsible parties.
- Operational & Financial Risk: A formal complaint or investigation can trigger audits of your payroll records for the past three years. This can delay business financing, complicate lease renewals if compliance is a lease covenant, and lead to increased premiums for employment practices liability insurance.
Legal code: State minimum wage law, earned sick time law, tip law, workplace poster statutes, prevailing wage law, Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards (COMPS) Order No. 39, Denver Minimum Wage Ordinance
Recent update: In January 2026, Denver's minimum wage increased to $18.29 per hour, and the state minimum wage to $14.42 per hour; your 2026 COMPS poster must reflect these new rates to be compliant.
Who Needs a Colorado COMPS Order Poster?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required for all establishments with employees under COMPS Order #38, as there are no industry-specific exemptions for traditional restaurants. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required; tipped employees are covered by the COMPS Order, and the poster includes required information on tip-pooling and credit rules. |
| Food Truck | Required | Required if the food truck has any employees; the mobile nature of the business does not exempt it from state wage order posting requirements. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required for any shop with employees; the retail and food service provisions of COMPS Order #38 apply. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (17 Fields)
14 of 17 auto-filledI understand Colorado requires the COMPS Order poster
booleanCheck 'Yes' to confirm your awareness of the legal mandate under the Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards (COMPS) Order No. 39.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this unchecked, which can create a record of non-compliance during a wage claim or inspection.
Business has or will have employees
booleanSelect 'Yes' if you have any non-exempt employees (including part-time or temporary) for whom you must display the poster.
COMMON MISTAKE: Incorrectly selecting 'No' as a sole proprietor, but you have other workers; the poster is required for any covered employees.
Workplace Address
addressEnter the exact physical street address of the restaurant where the poster will be displayed.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a P.O. Box, a home office address for the owner, or an incorrect unit/suite number for the business location.
Has Spanish-speaking employees
booleanSelect 'Yes' if any employee primarily speaks Spanish, which triggers the requirement to also post the Spanish-language version.
COMMON MISTAKE: Incorrectly assuming this only applies to a majority of staff; the requirement is triggered by any Spanish-speaking employee.
COMPS Order poster downloaded
booleanCheck 'Yes' to confirm you have obtained the official poster PDF from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) website.
COMMON MISTAKE: Downloading an outdated version from a third-party site instead of the current version from colorado.gov.
Poster Download Date
dateEnter the date you downloaded the poster, which helps demonstrate you accessed the most recent version.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a date from a previous year if using an old poster, or using an incorrect format (use MM/DD/YYYY).
Verified poster is current version
booleanConfirm 'Yes' that you checked the CDLE website to ensure your poster reflects the 2026 COMPS Order updates and minimum wage rates.
COMMON MISTAKE: Assuming a poster from a prior year is still valid; rates and rules change annually, and outdated posters are a common violation.
Poster printed in appropriate size
booleanSelect 'Yes' to confirm the English poster is printed at minimum 8.5" x 11" on standard letter paper, as required for legibility.
COMMON MISTAKE: Printing a scaled-down version or displaying it only digitally on a non-accessible screen, which does not satisfy the physical posting rule.
Spanish version printed
booleanIf you indicated having Spanish-speaking employees, check 'Yes' to confirm the Spanish poster is also printed at 8.5" x 11".
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to print the Spanish poster even though you have eligible employees, which is a separate violation from missing the English poster.
Poster Location in Workplace
textDescribe the exact location where the poster is displayed (e.g., 'Break room bulletin board next to time clock' or 'Employee entrance hallway').
COMMON MISTAKE: Vague descriptions like 'in the back' or listing an area not frequented by all employees, such as a manager's office.
ApronPrep auto-fills 14 of 17 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Colorado COMPS Order Poster Mistakes
1. Using an Outdated or Generic Poster Version
Posting the 2024 or a generic Colorado labor poster instead of the current 2026 COMPS Order (Colorado Overtime & Minimum Pay Standards) poster. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) updates the poster annually, and using an outdated version fails to communicate current wage rates and rules. This is the top violation cited during wage audits and can result in fines of up to $250 per violation, plus liability for back wages. Always verify the poster’s publication date says 2026 and includes the current Denver area minimum wage.
2. Failing to Post in All Required Languages & Locations
Posting only in English or placing the poster in a back office instead of a common area. Colorado COMPS rules require the poster to be displayed in English and Spanish, and it must be in a conspicuous place accessible to all employees (e.g., break room, time clock area). Posting only in English or hiding it in a manager’s office is a common oversight that leads to non-compliance notices during inspections. Based on ApronPrep's analysis, this mistake adds 2–3 weeks to resolution as you must correct the posting and potentially provide proof to the CDLE.
3. Incorrectly Listing the Current Denver Minimum Wage
Displaying the state minimum wage ($14.42/hour for 2026) instead of the higher Denver local minimum wage ($18.29/hour for 2026) if your business is physically located within Denver city and county limits. The COMPS poster requires the applicable minimum wage to be listed. Using the lower state rate misinforms employees of their legal pay floor and creates immediate liability for wage theft claims. Always confirm your business address's jurisdiction and use the correct, current Denver rate on your poster.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Colorado COMPS Order Poster
ApronPrep auto-fills 14 of 17 fields from one compliance interview.
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Colorado COMPS Order Poster by City in Colorado
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | ||
| Colorado Springs | ||
| Denver |
Timeline: Varies
Determine Your COMPS Order Status
Before submitting a poster application, verify whether your restaurant is subject to a Colorado COMPS (Compliance, Obligation, and Monitoring Program for Spirits) Order from the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division. Contact the Division directly or check your existing liquor license documentation — many establishments are exempt. This step prevents unnecessary submissions and clarifies which poster requirements apply to your specific location and license type.
Obtain the Official COMPS Order Poster from CLE
Once you've confirmed your COMPS Order status, request the official poster document directly from the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division (CLE) — they provide the poster at no government filing fee. You can request it via the CLE website, by phone, or through your liquor license holder's portal. Ensure you request the Denver-specific version, as poster requirements may vary by county. Keep a copy for your records.
Post the Poster in Your Establishment
Display the official COMPS Order Poster prominently in a location visible to customers and staff — typically at the point of sale, entrance, or behind the bar. Colorado requires the poster to be legible and unobstructed. Take a photograph of the posted poster in place, as this serves as proof of compliance during inspections. Do not laminate or alter the poster — display it exactly as provided by CLE.
Where to Apply
Applications go to the Colorado department of labor. Local procedures and fees may vary — select your city below.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Colorado.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsThe Colorado Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COMPS order poster is available immediately upon request — you can download and print it directly from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website at no processing delay. Once you receive the poster, posting it in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees must be completed before your restaurant opens or within the compliance timeline specified by your local health department. Contact the City Business License/Registration office to confirm any timing requirements tied to your operating permit.
There is no government filing fee for obtaining the Colorado COMPS order poster — the document is provided free by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. You may incur costs for printing and laminating the poster for workplace posting, but these are business expenses, not government fees. Not legal advice — verify current requirements with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment or the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.
The COMPS poster itself is a standardized state document that applies to all Colorado food service establishments, so you do not need to reapply or transfer it when relocating. However, you must obtain a new City Business License/Registration for your new Denver location, and ensure the COMPS poster is posted visibly in the new facility before operations begin. Contact the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment to confirm any local workplace posting requirements for your new address.
The Colorado COMPS order poster does not have a renewal requirement — once posted, it remains valid as long as your restaurant is operating in Colorado. However, if the state updates the COMPS order (changes to wage rates, benefits, or compliance requirements), you must replace the old poster with the new version within the timeframe specified by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Check the state labor department website annually or after any regulatory changes to ensure your posted version remains current.
Denver health and labor inspectors verify that the current Colorado COMPS order poster is posted in a location visible to all employees — typically near the employee break room, time clock, or main entrance. If the poster is missing, outdated, or not prominently displayed, inspectors will issue a compliance notice requiring you to post it within a specified timeframe, typically 5–10 business days. Failure to comply can result in fines or hold-ups in your renewal of your City Business License/Registration — contact the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment for specific enforcement procedures.
The official poster is available free from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website, typically in the workplace rights or COMPS program section. Ensure you download the current year's version, as the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment updates wage rates and benefit information annually. Print on standard 8.5×11 paper or larger, and laminate if posting in an area exposed to moisture or heavy traffic.
Colorado law requires the COMPS poster to be posted in English; however, if your restaurant has employees with limited English proficiency, you may need to provide additional translations or explanations per federal and state labor standards. Contact the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to confirm whether supplemental materials in other languages are required for your specific workforce. Not legal advice — consult an employment attorney if you have questions about language accommodation obligations.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Colorado specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 17 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State minimum wage law, earned sick time law, tip law, workplace poster statutes, prevailing wage law
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