If you sell alcohol in any form, whether in a bar, bottle store, restaurant, or grocery, you must obtain a liquor licence from your local council's liquor licensing committee. This is separate from your trading licence and other business permits. [Liquor Licensing Act No. 20 of 2011; SI No. 99 of 2011]
Steps to follow:
- Contact your council's liquor licensing committee and apply for the class of licence that matches your business (for example, on-consumption for bars or off-consumption for bottle stores).
- Prepare and submit the required documents: your National Registration Card (NRC), PACRA business registration certificate, a police report, a health report, a Government Gazette notice, and confirmation of your premises.
- Place the required public notice as set out in the regulations.
- The committee will review your application; members of the public may lodge objections.
- If approved, pay the licence fee (confirm the current amount with your council, as fees vary by council and licence class) and collect your licence.
- Renew your licence as required by the regulations.
Important: Operating without a liquor licence is an offence. Your licence is in addition to your trading licence, business levy, fire certificate, and (if you serve food) health permit. Contact your local council directly for the exact fee and application timeline for your area.