CONNECT US
NEED TO TALK
WHATSAPP US
A Liquor Licence, also called an Excise Licence, is a permission from the state government to make, store, transport, sell or serve alcohol. It is given by the State Excise Department under the Excise Act of that state.
Alcohol is a state subject in India. This means every state has its own law, its own rules, its own fee and its own process. A licence taken in one state cannot be used in another.
Selling or serving alcohol without a valid licence is a serious offence. CA Arpit Gupta helps business owners understand the rules of their state, prepare the documents, file the application and keep the licence in good standing.
You need a licence if your business does any of these:
The names and codes of licences are different in each state, such as FL, CL or L series. The kinds of licences are broadly the same.
| Type of Licence | Who It Is For | What It Allows |
|
Retail Off-Shop Licence |
Liquor shops and wine shops |
Sale of sealed bottles to customers to carry away |
|
Beer Shop Licence |
Beer and wine shops |
Sale of beer and wine only, in states that give a separate licence |
|
Bar and Restaurant Licence |
Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges |
Serving alcohol to customers for drinking on the premises |
|
Hotel Licence |
Star and other hotels |
Serving alcohol in the bar, restaurant and rooms, as per the rules |
|
Club Licence |
Registered clubs |
Serving alcohol to members and guests |
|
Banquet or Event Licence |
Banquet halls, event hosts |
Serving alcohol at a function for a limited period |
|
Wholesale or Distributor Licence |
Wholesalers and distributors |
Buying from manufacturers and selling to shops and bars |
|
Manufacturing Licence |
Distilleries, breweries and bottling units |
Making, bottling and selling alcohol |
|
Warehouse Licence |
Bonded warehouses |
Storing alcohol under government control |
|
Import and Export Permit |
Importers and exporters |
Bringing alcohol in or out of the state or country |
| Document | Purpose |
|
PAN, Aadhaar and photographs of the owner, partners or directors |
Identity |
|
Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed or LLP Agreement |
For entities |
|
Address and ID proof of the applicant |
Identity and address |
|
Property papers or rent agreement of the premises |
Right to use the place |
|
NOC from the owner of the property |
Permission to sell or serve liquor |
|
Layout plan and site map of the premises |
For inspection |
|
Distance certificate or proof of distance from schools, hospitals and places of worship |
As per state rules |
|
Police verification or character certificate |
Background check |
|
NOC from neighbours or local bodies, where asked |
Local acceptance |
|
GST registration |
For other business activity |
|
FSSAI licence |
For bars, restaurants and food service |
|
Trade Licence or Health Licence |
Municipal permission |
|
Shop and Establishment registration |
Labour law registration |
|
Fire NOC |
Safety of the building |
|
Income Tax Returns and bank statements |
Financial background |
|
Security deposit or bank guarantee |
As per state rule |
|
Affidavit and undertaking |
Declarations as required |
Note: The exact list is different in every state and for every type of licence. We provide the full list after knowing your state and business.
A liquor licence is a big investment. Get the right advice before you spend. Share your state, city and business plan with CA Arpit Gupta, and we will guide you through each step.
Call or WhatsApp CA Arpit Gupta at: +91-7081220600.
All rights reserved to Arpit Gupta & Co. | Developed by RNA Infotech
