Difference Between Government and Private Liquor Licenses: Guide

Updated on May 13, 2025 12:58:47 PM

The liquor license is legally permitted to individuals and businesses to distribute alcoholic beverages all over India. All of them include a proper legal license. If you want to sell, produce, and distribute alcohol legally,.

Liquor licenses in India are required to regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. They can be highly categorized into government and private sector licenses, each with distinct characteristics, regulations, and requirements.

Government liquor licenses are issued and regulated by state authorities, typically the excise department. These licenses are for government-run establishments or shops.

And another hand Private-sector liquor licenses are issued to individuals or businesses that wish to sell or serve alcohol beverages. These licenses are more diverse and flexible, catering to various business models.

What is a liquor license?

This liquor license allows you to follow your beverage business more easily. This liquor license allows you to sell, manufacture, store, or use alcoholic beverages. It helps to ensure that you can sell your alcoholic beverages according to state laws.

Every state has its own rules and regulations for issuing liquor licenses. There is also one thing important in this industry. For example, bars and restaurants sell their alcoholic beverages offline, but if somebody has an online business of alcohol, they also have the license to run their business online.

pu seperater

Benefits of a liquor license in the government sector and private sector.

Government sector

Private sector

pu seperater

Application procedure for obtaining Government & Private sector Liquor License

For obtaining the liquor license in government and private sector follow the below step-by-step process:

Step 1: Identify your license.

What kind of license must be acquired for your business (e.g., restaurants, bars, and clubs)? And every state has its own rules and regulations according to its license process.

Step.2 Documentation

Gather all your documents according to which liquor license you need.

Step 3: Application form:

Firstly, you should download and complete your application form as well, and make sure to correctly fill out your form according to your state excise department.

Step 4: Inspection

Conduct an inspection of your local excise department to ensure your premises and safety.

Step 5: Reviewed application

After submitting your application form, it will be reviewed, and if approved, you will get your license. If there are any mistakes, you should make them correct, as they inform you.

Step 6: Renewal

The liquor license also needs to be renewed annually, and you should pay your renewal fees before it expires.

Note: Depending on the application's design and status, the entire process may take between weeks and months.

You can successfully complete the procedure of getting a liquor license in the government sector by following these instructions and making sure all necessary paperwork is in order.

pu seperater

Documents required for government and private sector Liquor License

These are the documents required for a liquor license in the government sector & Private sector:

  • Applicant and Company Information
  • Brand and Product Details
  • Financial and Legal Compliance Documents
  • Verification and Affidavits
  • KYC details of applicant (Adharcard, PAN card, Mail id, phone number, Passport size photo)
  • Ownership / Lease / Rent Agreement
  • Income Tax Returns
  • Proof of Parking Space
  • Cancelled Cheque
  • Approved Layout Plan of Premises
  • No Objection Certificates (NoCs)
  • Character Certificate (from District Collector / SP / ACP)
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA)
  • Articles of Association (AoA)
  • Registration Certificate
  • Board Resolution (Authorization)
  • List of Directors / Partners
  • Club Rules (for Club Bars)
  • Appendix C stating the details of the brand applied for, including sales figures across India
  • Product declaration of the brands applied
  • ENA Certificate - Neutral alcohol (double distilled)/Extra Neutral Alcohol
  • Chemical Analysis Report of the brand applied, from a Government Authorized Lab or reputed private institution
  • TMC under the Trade Mark Act, 1999, or registered Trade Mark Licensed to the applicant (not required for Beer & Wine)
  • Affidavit regarding the genuineness of foreign TMC
  • Solvency Certificate issued by SDM
  • Copy of Latest IT Return/Copy of PAN Card/Copy of Latest IT Assessment Order/Copy of Income Tax Clearance Certificate
  • No Dues Certificate from the Delhi Excise Department
  • No Dues Certificate from the VAT Department, Delhi
  • CA Certificate regarding sales and EDP of the brands
  • An attested copy of the annual account and balance sheet duly audited
  • Personal Bond with Surety of Rs. 5 lacs
  • Copies of Excise Verification Certificate for sale verification
  • Sale Verification Report
  • Certificate of sale figures and EDP from the Excise Authority
  • Affidavit under section 13 of Delhi Excise Act, 2009, and Rules 23 & 35 of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010
  • Affidavit from the existing licensee
  • Affidavit from the new licensee
pu seperater

Fees are required for government and private sector liquor licenses.

Liquor License Fee for Government Sector

Premises Particulars Government fees
L1 Wholesale license 5,00,000 to 25,00,000

Liquor License Fee for Private Sector

Premises Particulars Government fees
L3 Hotel license 10,00,000 to 25,00,000
L5 Restaurant bar license 5,00,000 to 20,00,000
L6 Retail shop license 4,00,000 to 10,00,000
L9 Serving foreign liquor 10,00,000 to 30,00,000
L10 Retail License for Indian and Foreign Liquor 8,00,000 to 20,00,000

Get Expert Consultation

Professional fee for liquor license registration starts from ₹ ₹99,000

Note: The aforementioned Fees is exclusive of GST.

pu seperater

Conclusion

Overall, liquor licenses, whether issued by the government or the private sector, are essential for controlling all that is involved in the sale and use of alcohol and for creating a controlled environment that maintains a balance between the interests of the public good and business interests.

pu seperater
Why Professional Utilities?

At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.

All Corporate Services at Professional Utilities

One Stop Corporate Solution

All Corporate Services at Professional Utilities

PAN India
Services

All Corporate Services at Professional Utilities

Free Expert
Assistance

All Corporate Services at Professional Utilities

Google Verified
Business

All Corporate Services at Professional Utilities

Dedicated Support
Staff

All Corporate Services at Professional Utilities

Money-Back
Guarantee

Trusted By
stay-vista.svg
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
goog glamm logo
stay-vista.svg
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
goog glamm logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
borosil-grey.png
corefitplus.png
cult_logo
myglamm
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
client logo
borosil-grey.png
corefitplus.png
cult_logo
myglamm
pu seperater

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of liquor licenses are available in the government sector?

Government liquor licenses usually include wholesale licenses for distribution, retail licenses for selling alcohol to customers directly, and licenses tailored to the needs of hotels and restaurants.

Who can submit an application for a liquor license from the government?

The government's liquor licenses are only available to businesses that are operated by the state. These licenses cannot be applied for directly by individuals.

What types of private alcohol licenses are offered?

Retail liquor licenses for liquor stores, restaurant licenses for alcohol service on the premises, pub licenses for beer manufacturing and serving, and temporary event permits for special events are examples of private liquor licenses.

Who can apply for a private liquor license?

As long as they fulfill the requirements established by the state, individuals, partnerships, and corporate entities are eligible to apply for private liquor licenses.

Speak Directly to our Expert Today

Reliable

Reliable

Affordable

Affordable

Assurity

Assured