Liquor Licence
- Liquor licences are issued by the Liquor Licensing Board. Applicants who meet the conditions must also pass a police check.
- Many people think a liquor licence is very hard to get: the process is complicated, it must go through government departments, Hong Kong rents are high, and you cannot sell alcohol until the licence is issued. Our team can solve these problems and help you get a liquor licence as fast as possible, within 90 days.
- Free licence consultation. Contact our team.
Trust or Company Service Provider licence TC010617
Liquor licence: government licence fees
| Licence / premises | Issue or renewal: valid for 1 year |
|---|---|
| Liquor licence — with a bar | 3,940 |
| Liquor licence — without a bar | 1,990 |
| Club liquor licence — with a bar | 1,100 |
| Club liquor licence — without a bar | 1,100 |
All amounts in HK dollars. The government charges above are separate from our consultancy fee. Please ask us for the licence application service fee.
Shop requirements
A bar’s building structure, escape routes, fire safety and sanitary facilities must all be suitable for customers drinking alcohol. Each case is approved on its own facts.
Special requirements and limits
- Extra licence conditions for serious noise nuisance, including fitting suitable soundproofing materials or noise-control equipment.
- The bar must display, in a prominent place, the notice “禁止任何十八歲以下人士在處所內飲用酒類飲品 NO LIQUOR FOR PERSON UNDER AGE 18”. Each Chinese character on the notice must be no smaller than 3cm × 3cm, and each English letter no smaller than 2cm × 2cm.
Other food licences
Liquor Licence FAQ
Can I apply for a liquor licence myself?
If you have plenty of time, it generally takes about 6 months. More complex cases take longer.
Why does a liquor licence need police approval?
From the police point of view, a bar is a public place that can easily lead to many different offences, including drink driving, prostitution and gambling. An applicant who meets the conditions is first approved by the Liquor Licensing Board, then vetted by the police, which includes meeting police officers and giving a statement. Our team explains these questions to you so you are fully prepared for the interview.
Can I be prosecuted for selling alcohol without a licence?
Yes. Selling alcohol without a licence involves two Hong Kong offences: "possession of liquor for sale without a licence" and "sale of liquor without a licence". On conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1,000,000 and two years in prison.
What conditions must a liquor licence applicant meet?
The Liquor Licensing Board generally looks at the applicant's personal character, relevant work experience and past record as a liquor licensee to decide whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a liquor licence.
Do I need a liquor licence to sell alcohol online?
Under section 2 of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, a "liquor licence" is a licence to sell or supply liquor for drinking on the premises named in the licence. So if you sell alcohol online and offer no tasting, in theory you may not need a liquor licence. From a business point of view, to avoid breaking the law by accident, we suggest applying for a liquor licence first. It also makes running the shop easier.
Ask us
Leave your details and we will come back to you, or WhatsApp 5512 6073.
- 5512 6073
- Phone
- 3166 1298
- info@ReapHK.com
Licence no. TC010617
