Do I need a licence to sell alcohol in Hong Kong

Do I Need a Licence to Sell Alcohol in Hong Kong

Yes. You need a liquor licence from the Liquor Licensing Board to sell alcohol in Hong Kong. This licence is separate from your business registration certificate and any food business licence. The board controls all sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises. Operating without one is an offence.

Hong Kong Liquor Licence

The Liquor Licensing Board, a statutory body under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, issues the Hong Kong liquor licence. This permit authorises the sale of beer, wine or other spirits on specific premises. A general restaurant licence or light refreshment restaurant licence is not enough. You need a separate liquor permit in addition to any food business licence.

Liquor Licensing Board Hong Kong

The Liquor Licensing Board Hong Kong grants, refuses and revokes liquor licences. It assesses premises suitability and the applicant's character, considering opinions from the Police and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Applications go to the board's secretariat. The board then meets regularly to decide on applications and hear any objections.

Sell Alcohol for Consumption on Premises

Selling alcohol for consumption on the premises requires the correct liquor licence category. The board issues licences for bars, restaurants, clubs and other venues where patrons drink on site. A different category covers off-premises sales, such as for a bottle shop or convenience store selling packaged alcohol. These are also regulated by the Liquor Licensing Board.

Liquor Licence Application Hong Kong

To apply, submit a completed form with supporting documents to the Liquor Licensing Board. These include a premises plan, a copy of your business registration certificate, and proof of your right to occupy the premises. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Police will inspect the premises and recommend a course of action to the board. The board makes the final decision.

A liquor licence is a trade licence specific to alcohol sales. It is distinct from the business registration certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department, which all businesses need but which does not authorise regulated activities. If you run a food business, you must also hold the appropriate food business licence from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, such as a general restaurant licence or a light refreshment restaurant licence, in addition to the liquor licence.

The Liquor Licensing Board publishes guidance on its website detailing the application process, fees and processing times. Check the board's current published material before you apply, as requirements and fees can change.