The mission of the State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is to promote a fair and equitable marketplace and ensure safe products and services for Connecticut Consumers. The department is comprised of several divisions, each of which oversees different industries that it regulates:
The Drug Control Division works to protect the health and safety of Connecticut residents by regulating the distribution of all legal drugs, medical devices and cosmetics in Connecticut. It also oversees Connecticut licensing for pharmacies, pharmacists, controlled substance providers and laboratories, pharmacy technicians, and drug manufacturers and whole salers. The division also manages and regulates the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).
The Food and Standards Division regulates all persons and businesses that manufacture or sell food products in the state, and ensures that weighing and measuring devices in Connecticut are accurate. Staff also test motor fuel octane, investigate complaints about gasoline stations and heating fuel, and inspect restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores for cleanliness and safety.
The Investigations Division protects the public from unfair or deceptive business practices, fraud, and scams that affect the Connecticut marketplace, including those sometimes associated with home improvement and new home construction. The Division enforces CUTPA and helps to mediate disputes between buyers and sellers. This division is responsible for all legal action the agency is authorized to take.
The Gaming Division works to ensure the highest degree of integrity in the conduct of all forms of legalized gaming within the State of Connecticut and the federally recognized Tribal Nations within the State, by licensing or permitting all individuals and entities that are involved with legalized gaming and by monitoring and educating to ensure compliance with the gaming laws and the Tribal-State agreements.
The License Services Division processes more than 208,000 licenses each year. Staff also responds to questions about renewals, payments, and other processing issues related to licenses, permits and registrations.
The Liquor Control Division safeguards the health and safety of Connecticut citizens by regulating all persons and firms involved in distributing, selling, and dispensing alcoholic liquor in order to prevent sales to minors and intoxicated persons, maintain product integrity, and ensure that licensed premises are safe and sanitary.
The Occupational & Professional Licensing Division protects the public health, safety, and welfare of Connecticut citizens by assuring that only qualified, competent persons are licensed in the occupational trades and in several professional licensing categories. This division also
administers eighteen professional Boards, Councils and Commissions to review, establish and maintain educational training and examination standards and in several cases, to help implement and administer statutory and regulatory provisions.