Procedures for applying for a liquor distribution license

Article overview

A liquor distribution license is one of the important factors for businesses to legalize the business and distribution of alcohol on the market. Applying for a liquor distribution license will also become easier when you clearly understand the regulations and procedures that need to be followed. To help you quickly complete procedures, Long Phan provides detailed information and instructions on the steps to take, supporting businesses to enter the market in the most legal and convenient way.

The process of applying for a Liquor Distribution License is in accordance with regulations
The process of applying for a Liquor Distribution License is in accordance with regulations

Conditions for obtaining a liquor distribution license

Pursuant to Article 11 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP), businesses that want to be granted an alcohol distribution license need to meet the following conditions:

  • Is an enterprise established according to the provisions of law;
  • Have a wine distribution system in 02 provinces and centrally run cities or more (including the area where the enterprise is headquartered); In each province or centrally run city, there must be at least 01 wine wholesaler. In case an enterprise establishes a branch or business location outside the head office to sell alcohol, confirmation from the alcohol wholesaler is not required;
  • There is a written introduction or principle contract from a wine producer, another wine distributor, or an overseas wine supplier.

Regulations on procedures for granting alcohol distribution licenses

Application for licensing

Pursuant to Article 21 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP) stipulates that the application for a liquor distribution license will include:

1. Application for a Liquor Distribution License according to Form No. 01 issued with this Decree.

2. Copy of Business Registration Certificate or documents of equivalent legal value.

3. Documents on the alcohol distribution system include one of the following two types:

  • A copy of the principle contract, confirmation letter or commitment to participate in the alcohol distribution system with a copy of the alcohol wholesale license of the trader expected to participate in the alcohol distribution system;
  • A copy of the enterprise’s branch operation registration certificate or the enterprise’s business location registration certificate to sell alcohol.

4. Documents related to alcohol suppliers:

  • Copies of introductory documents or contracts in principle from wine producers, other wine distributors or foreign wine suppliers, clearly stating the types of wine expected to be traded in accordance with the activities of the wine suppliers;
  • In case the alcohol supplier is a domestic trader, a copy of the Alcohol Production License or Alcohol Distribution License is required.

Execution order

The authority and process for granting alcohol distribution licenses are specified in Article 25 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP), specifically as follows:

Authority to issue licenses

  • Ministry of Industry and Trade: is the agency that grants licenses for industrial alcohol production with a scale of 03 million liters/year or more as well as licenses to distribute alcohol to traders in need.
  • Department of Industry and Trade: is the agency that grants licenses for industrial alcohol production with a scale of less than 03 million liters/year and licenses for wholesale alcohol sales in the province or centrally run city.
  • Economic Department or Economic and Infrastructure Department under the District People’s Committee: is the agency that issues Licenses for craft wine production for business purposes and Licenses to retail alcohol locally.

Licensing procedures:

Step 1: Submit application

Traders submit applications directly or by post or online to the licensing authority.

Step 2: Receive documents and issue licenses

  • Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the competent state agency will review, appraise and issue a license to the trader.
  • In case of refusal, a written response must be made clearly stating the reason.
  • In case there are not enough valid documents, within 03 working days from the date of receiving the documents, the licensing agency must issue a written request to supplement and complete the documents.
Steps to apply for a Liquor Distribution License
Steps to apply for a Liquor Distribution License

Term of liquor distribution license

  • According to Point b, Clause 2, Article 28 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP), the term of the Liquor Distribution License is 5 years from the date of issue.
  • Therefore, when the license is about to expire, traders must carry out procedures to renew or apply for a new license if they continue to do business in the field of alcohol distribution in order to comply with current legal regulations.

Liquor distribution license application service in Long Phan

At Long Phan, we provide professional services, accompanying customers in the process of applying for a liquor distribution license, ensuring full compliance with current regulations.

Consulting and support services in the field of wine business at Long Phan include:

  • Consulting and support for applying for a Liquor Distribution License.
  • Consulting on conditions, procedures and application documents for alcohol distribution licenses.
  • Representing customers to conduct licensing procedures, submit documents and work with competent authorities.
  • Consulting on solving problems that arise when documents are invalid.
  • Advise on resolution methods when disputes arise.
In-depth and effective consulting and support at Long Phan
In-depth and effective consulting and support at Long Phan In-depth and effective consulting and support at Long Phan

Owning a Liquor Distribution License is the key for you to legally enter the market, creating a foundation for future business expansion. If you need detailed advice on implementation procedures, please contact Long Phan immediately via the hotline 0906735386. With the support of our team of experienced experts, you will quickly complete the procedure and become a successful wine distribution business in the market.