How to apply for a Liquor License in India?
As each state in India has its own set of liquor laws, rules, and regulations, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the liquor laws prevailing in your state before applying for a liquor license. Since liquor laws of the state are laid down by the State Excise Department, anyone wishing to obtain a liquor license can inquire about the same by:
Visiting the website of the State Excise Department,
Physically visiting the licensing authority
Physically visiting nearby liquor shops.
Once you have a fair idea about the prevailing liquor laws, rules, and regulations of your state, you can decide the type and class of license you need to apply for. The general classes of license include:
Beer and Wine License
Restaurant Liquor License
Tavern Liquor License
Brewpub Liquor License
The third thing you need to figure out is the cost of your preferred liquor license as per your state laws. To have a fair idea about the cost of obtaining a liquor license in your state, along with other relevant information, you can visit the website of your State Excise Department. For example, people wishing to obtain a Liquor License in Delhi can visit the website of the Delhi State Excise Department.
Once you have all the information about the cost and documents required to obtain your preferred liquor license, follow the given steps to apply for a Liquor License in India,
STEP 1: Visit the official website of your State Excise Department and download the application form for your preferred license type. Once downloaded, fill in the application form with all necessary details. Once filled, the form must be submitted to the concerned authority along with the required application fee which varies from state to state.
While filling out the form, do remember to mention all the required details, including the type of liquor license required, premises where it needs to be served/sold, type of liquor planning to be served/sold, etc. Also, you must make sure to state your background information like age, business experience, criminal record (if any), etc. along with relevant documents.
STEP 2: The documents which are required to be attached along with the application form vary from license to license. However, documents like applicant’s identity proof, residence proof, a valid address and/or premise address proof, incorporation certificate( in case of business entities), copy of ITR, etc. are universally required.
STEP 3: Once the application form is submitted, the state licensing authority will cross-check and verify the credentials submitted by you and can also call for additional documents required.
STEP 4: Post verification, a notice shall be posted by the concerned state authority on your personal or business address, declaring your name and the license details. The notice so displayed shall be open for any objections raised by the local people, which will be communicated to the concerned department.
STEP 5: In case an objection is raised, you will be given a right to defend yourself. In case, no objections are raised, the authority will review the application and grant you the Liquor License.
Validity and Renewal of License
A Liquor License has a validity of 1 year from the date of issue. After expiry, a liquor license can be renewed annually, by filling the renewal application form available on the website of the State Excise Department and paying the relevant renewal fee.
Therefore, if any person wishes to get his /her license renewed, then he/she must apply for the same before thirty days from the date of expiry of the license along with the payment of a renewal fee which is fixed by the State Excise Department depending upon the type and/or class of the license. There can also be a reduction in the renewal fee, based upon the conduct and goodwill of the applicant.
Revocation of the Liquor License
A Liquor License will be liable for revocation if any one of the following acts is committed by the applicant:
Serving of Liquor on Dry Days
Serving of Liquors to Minors
Violations of the rules and laws laid down by the state excise department
Documents Required for Obtaining a Liquor License
Each state has its own prescribed set of documents that are required for obtaining a liquor license. However, there are certain documents that are needed in general for obtaining a Liquor License. These are:
Identity Proof of the Applicant
Address proof of the applicant
Address proof of the premise used for serving/selling/storing/manufacturing of alcohol
NOC from the state fire department and municipal corporation
Application with personal and business details of the applicant
MOA and AOA copy in case of companies
Latest ITR copy
Applicant’s photograph
An affidavit declaring that there are no past criminal records in the name of the applicant
An affidavit declaring that there are no pending dues in the name of the applicant.
Types of Liquor Licenses
Various types of Liquor Licenses can be obtained as per the prevailing liquor laws of each state. Some of the general types of licenses for which an individual or a company can apply for are depicted in the following table:
LICENSE NAME | PURPOSE |
|---|---|
L1 | It is a License granted for the wholesale supply of Indian liquor to other license holders. |
L3/L5 | L3 is a liquor license granted to hotels that permit the serving of foreign liquors to residents staying in hotel rooms, whereas, L5 license is granted to serve liquor in bars or restaurants which are situated in the hotel premises. |
L6 | L6 is issued to the retail vendors of Beers and Indian Liquors. |
L19 | L19 is permitted to a club registered to serve foreign liquor. |
L49 | L49 is easily granted to any person for serving liquor in any party or function at specific premises anywhere in a state. |
There are other licenses like the L-11, L-12, L-15, L-16, L-17, L-18, L-19, L-20, L-21, L-28, L-29, L-30 licenses, which the state excise department grants for various other reasons.
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