Perhaps you'd like to sell alcohol in India but aren't sure how to go about it. Luckily for you, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on starting a liquor business. Everything from the different types of liquor licences, the costs involved, to the documents required for the procurement process will be covered in this article.

A Liquor License granted by a state’s excise department allows licensed individuals to manufacture, transport, and sell alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of a state. You Can Know more about Liquor License in India in.

Every business that sells alcoholic beverages, from liquor stores to restaurants, must apply for a liquor license, either online or in person. Even the online selling of liquor in India need to obtain a liquor license in India.

According to the VII Schedule of the Constitution, the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of liquor are under the state list.

As a result, state governments have complete control over the alcohol-related laws and guidelines that are enforced inside their various jurisdictions. As a result, different states have different rules regarding the sale and manufacture of liquor.

The predominant laws and rules that regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol in India are as follows:

• Article 47 of the Constitution
• Licensing Act, 2003
• Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Excise Rules, 2010
• Punjab Excise Act,1914
• Uttar Pradesh Excise Act,1910
• Bengal Excise Act of 1909
• Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964
• Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949
• Karnataka Excise Act, 1965
• Tamil Nadu Liquor Rules, 1981

Keep in mind that engaging in a liquor business without a liquor license in India can lead to major legal troubles and heavy fines. Hence, it is always best to stay on the right side of the law. Contact our team to learn more about how to legally start and operate a liquor business.

How Can People Apply for a Liquor License in India?

Since every state has different liquor laws, you must consult an expert before proceeding to avoid legal hassles later. Nevertheless, here is a look at the general process involved in obtaining a liquor license in India.

1. First and foremost, visit the state excise department’s official website to get an idea of the process. You can also visit their physical office to gain some insight into what is expected
2. Once you have an idea regarding the process involved, decide on what type of license you need
3. Next, collect the required documents to start the application process.
4. Download the application form for your desired type of license from the state excise department’s website
5. Duly fill the form with the required details and attach supporting documents wherever necessary
6. Some of the details you will need to mention include details regarding your place of business, personal information, and mention the types of liquor you wish to sell
7. Submit the filled out form to the concerned authority and pay the applicable application fee
8. The authority will then verify all the details provided. They may also visit your business premises to check whether everything is in order. In case they find that something is amiss, they may ask for additional supporting documents, which you must provide
9. Once the verification process is complete, they will post a notice regarding your request for a liquor license on your business premises. This is to notify the locals about your new business. If they wish to raise objections, they may do so within a specified period, and you will then have to justify why your business will not be a hindrance to them
10. If no one raises any successful objection, the authority will grant you a liquor license in India, and you may begin operations.

Documents Required for Obtaining a Liquor License in India

• Applicant’s identity proof and address proof 
• Address proof of the business premises
• NOC from the state fire department 
• NOC from the concerned municipal corporation
• Duly filled application form
• MoA and AoA of companies, if applicable
• Latest ITR copy
• Applicant’s passport size photograph
• Affidavit regarding lack of criminal records in the applicant’s name 
• Affidavit declaring the applicant has no pending dues in their name.

Cost of a Liquor License in India

Since liquor laws vary from state to state, the cost of obtaining a licence also varies depending on your place of business. Moreover, the cost of obtaining a licence also depends on the type of licence you want and the size and nature of your business. The list below is a breakdown of the average cost of a liquor license in India:

1. Temporary License: To serve liquor at a party or event in a town with less than 20 lakh people, you will have to pay either:
   • ₹7,000 if you wish to serve liquor to less than 100 people
   • ₹10,000 if you wish to serve liquor to more than 100 people
2. FL-4 License: Approximately ₹13,000.
3. Serving Liquor in Rooms: To serve liquor in a restaurant, you will have to pay either:
   • ₹5,00,000 for serving in hotel rooms 
   • ₹1,50,000 for serving in a beer shop or restaurant
4. State Liquor License: Anywhere between ₹5000 and ₹15,000. 

What Does the Liquor License Regulate?

The excise department seeks to regulate the following activities within a state while granting a Liquor License in India:

• Businesses authorised to sell and market alcohol
• When and where establishments shall sell alcohol
• Quantity of alcohol that may be sold at a time
• The charge set for the purchase of alcohol
• Types of liquor that may be sold
• Who the alcohol may be sold to 
• Businesses allowed to manufacture, transport, distribute, and possess alcohol.

The Different Types of Liquor License in India

1. Beer and Wine License: For those establishments who wish to sell only mild liquors such as beer and wine. Bear in mind that such businesses should not deal in hard liquor
2. Restaurant Liquor License: For restaurants that wish to serve alcohol. This license applies only to those establishments that earn less than 40% of their total income from the sale of liquor
3. Tavern License: For businesses whose liquor sales make up more than half of their profits
4. Brewpub License: For establishments that brew their own wine and beer.
5. Temporary License: To serve liquor at a party or event with less than 20 lakh people in attendance
6. FL-4 License: For people who wish to serve alcohol at a private party inside a private resort or apartment
7. L1: Necessary for wholesale supply of Indian liquor
8. L3: Allows hotels to serve foreign liquors to guests in their hotel rooms
9. L5: Allows hotels to serve liquor in bars or restaurants within hotel premises
10. L6: Suitable for retail vendors of beers and Indian liquors
11. L19: Allows clubs to serve foreign alcohol.

How Vakilsearch Can Assist

Our team of legal experts will be able to provide you with the guidance you require to start a successful liquor license in India for business. Here’s how: 

1. We can help identify the type of licenses and registrations such as (ex: fssai license registration) that you need to start your venture
2. Our lawyers can help obtain and organize all the documentation necessary
3. Additionally, we also provide services related to incorporation, enabling you to register your business quickly and efficiently
4. Most importantly, our team can help you procure all other ancillary licenses and tax registrations you will need to make your business compliant.

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