To obtain a liquor license in Goa, you must meet eligibility and submit a completed application form with supporting documents to the Department of Excise.
Need for Liquor License
Article 47 of the Indian Constitution clearly stipulates that, to enhance public health, there should be a prohibition on the sale of intoxicating drinks and drugs that are detrimental to health. Alcohol consumption is widespread in all segments of Indian society, and the ease of access to alcohol, along with lax enforcement of related laws, could potentially contribute to high levels of alcohol consumption. Consequently, it is illegal for any individual to produce, distribute, or sell intoxicating liquor without prioritising the well-being and maintaining peace and order in the country. The state supervisor of the Alcohol and Tobacco Control division oversees the sale of alcohol and the issuance of liquor license. This will further streamline the process.
Types of Liquor
In Goa, the primary categories of liquor can be classified as follows:
Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL): This refers to intoxicating alcohol produced in India by foreign-owned enterprises or companies
Foreign Liquor (FL): This category includes alcohol imported into India from foreign countries
Country Liquor (CL): Also known as Desi Daaru or Desi Liquor, this type of alcohol is created by fermenting and distilling natural ingredients. In Goa, it is commonly made using ingredients like cashew and coconut, resulting in beverages such as Cashew Feni and Coconut Feni.
Wholesale, Retail Sale in Packed Bottles and for Consumption of IMFL/CL/FL Common Eligibility
An individual or entity (Partnership Firm, Company, or Sole Proprietor) who is at least 21 years old and possesses a 25-year Residence Certificate issued by the relevant Taluka Mamlatdar under the Government of Goa is eligible to seek a license. Applications for this license should be submitted to the Office of the Excise Inspector in the respective Taluka.
Common Documents Required
- Complete Form E-28 as the application
- Include detailed elevation, internal site, and premises plans for the proposed site
- Provide your Birth Certificate or proof of age
- Submit an affidavit from the applicant
- Attach a copy of the House Tax Receipt
- Pay the processing fees with the challan copy
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Village Panchayat or Municipality
- Present a Certificate of Medical Fitness
- If applicable, provide a Restaurant License
- If applicable, secure an NOC from the concerned Health Centre
- Include a Zoning Certificate from the Town & Country Planning Department, North Goa Planning and Development Authority, or South Goa Planning and Development Authority
- Obtain a certificate from the Village Panchayat or Municipality confirming that no individual other than the applicant and their associated relatives reside in the proposed building/premises
- Provide a Certificate of 25 years of Residence
- If the area’s population includes local bodies with over 20,000 people, you need a report from the concerned Public Works Department office confirming that the proposed premise is situated more than 500 meters away. For areas with a population of 20,000 people or less, this distance requirement may be reduced to 220 meters from the State Highway or National Highway
- Include a Police Antecedent Report
- Pay the applicable processing fees as per the Goa Excise Duty Acts and Rules of 1964.
Application Procedure
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the Management Department of Excise, Government of Goa
- Step 2: Click on ‘Registration,’ then select ‘New Registration’ and click ‘Apply.’
- Step 3: Click ‘Continue’ to proceed
- Step 4: Fill in the required fields on the following page accurately for a valid application, then click ‘Submit’
- Step 5: A pop-up will display an acknowledgment with your Application Number/Registration Number. Make a note of this number.
- Step 6: Return to the main page, click on ‘Registration,’ select ‘New Registration,’ and click ‘Submit.’
- Step 7: Enter the Application Number provided in the pop-up.
- Step 8: Fill in the necessary details and upload the required documents mentioned under the ‘Document Type’ section.
- Step 9: Successfully uploaded documents will be listed on the page.
- Step 10: Upload the applicant’s passport-sized photo by clicking ‘Choose File’ next to ‘Upload Photo.’
- Step 11: Click ‘Submit,’ and your documents will be sent to the concerned department for review.
