Bar License in India

Alcohol manufacturing and selling are some of the most profitable businesses in India. However, due to the extreme effects of alcohol consumption, it is one of the most regularized sectors. Alcohol manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and taxation are controlled by state governments. Thus, the application for obtaining the bar license is required to be made with the state government only.

If you are planning to open a bar in India, first make sure to apply for the bar license in India, as selling liquor without a license may invite serious consequences. Hence, if you are planning to start a Bar, take a step today and apply for a license with State Excise Department. Also, just applying for the license is not enough, rather complying with applicable rules and regulations is also mandatory. Let us now understand how to get a bar license in India in detail.

Documents required for a bar license

  1. One valid identity proof of the applicant.
  2. Address proof of the applicant.
  3. Address of the business entity.
  4. Clear photographs of the authorized person.
  5. In case of company certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association, and article of association.
  6. In the case of a partnership firm, copy of the partnership deed.
  7. A no-objection certificate from the fire department.
  8. Income tax return of the applicant company.
  9. Application filed with Local Excise Department for obtaining the Bar License.
  10. In the case of the company, list all the directors of the company.
  11. In the case of a partnership firm, list all the partners of the firm.
  12. A declaration/ affidavit declaration stating that the applicant is not involved in any criminal offense or do not have any criminal history.
  13. GST registration.
  14. An affidavit/declaration stating that the applicant is capable of paying his dues.
  15. A no-objection certificate from the Municipal corporation.

What are the different kinds of Bar licenses in India?

Before moving to the procedure of applying for the bar license in India, it is necessary to understand the various kinds of bar licenses that are available and to choose the one applicable to your business. Below listed are the kinds of Bar licenses in India -

  1. Tavern License - Any entity that makes more than half of its profit by selling alcohol is required to obtain Tavern License.
  2. Restaurant License - Any entity that makes less than forty percent of its profits from selling alcohol is required to obtain Restaurant License.
  3. Beer and Wine license - As its name suggests, any entity that only sells aged alcoholic beverages like beers and wines requires Beer and Wine license.
  4. Personal Bar license - If you are an individual and wish to sell alcohol on behalf of your registered and licensed business then you are required to obtain a Personal Bar license.
  5. L-1 license – If you are a wholesaler of alcohol desiring to supply to other licensed sellers, you require L-1 license.
  6. L-3 license – If you are an owner of a hotel and you desire to serve guests with foreign liquor in their rooms you require L-3 license.
  7. L-5 license – If you are an owner of a hotel and you desire to serve alcohol in the bar situated within your premises you require L-5 license.
  8. L-19 license - If you run a club and desire to serve foreign liquor to your member you require an L-19 license.
  9. L-49A license - If you desire to serve alcohol in a marriage or party at a particular location in Delhi, you would require an L-49A license.

How to get a bar license in India?

After ascertaining the type of licensing you require, you should make sure to understand all the rules and regulations applicable to bar licenses in India. Further, an application is required to be filed with State Excise Department providing all the necessary information and documents. After receiving the application it will be verified by the authorized officer. After the application is filed, a notice is displayed within the premises of the office notifying about the opening of the bar and inviting any objection. If no objection is received the bar license is granted to the applicant. Once the license is granted it is valid for 1 year. Thus, after every year renewal fee, is required to be paid for getting the license renewed.

What does the bar license cost?

The fee for obtaining the bar license in India varies from state to state. Thus, to ascertain the approximate cost of obtaining the bar license you can simply visit the State Excise Department and check the fee for applying for the license.

Why should you choose Regalguru for obtaining a bar license?

Laws in India regarding obtaining a Bar license are very stringent. Thus, for obtaining the bar license you need an expert beside you to guide you through the procedure. Our team is here to guide you through the complete procedure at the best possible price.