Latest Procedures for Re-issuance of Alcohol Retail License Upon Expiration

Latest Procedures for Re-issuance of Alcohol Retail License Upon Expiration is a process that alcohol retailers must clearly understand to legally continue their business operations. Business households and enterprises retailing alcohol without a valid license may face administrative penalties. In this article, Long Phan Consulting Company will provide you with the necessary information regarding the latest procedures for re-issuing an alcohol retail license.

Basic requirements for obtaining a retail liquor license

To be granted an alcohol retail license, business establishments must meet specific conditions prescribed by law to ensure legality and safety in alcohol trading. Based on Item 1, Section I, Appendix IV of Decree 139/2025/ND-CP, the conditions are:

• Legal Establishment: The applicant must be an enterprise, cooperative, union of cooperatives, or business household established in accordance with the law.
• Fixed Location: The applicant must have the legal right to use a fixed business location with a clear address.
• Supplier Agreement: There must be a letter of introduction or a principle contract with alcohol producers, alcohol distributors, or alcohol wholesalers.

>>> See more: Industrial Alcohol Production License Procedure

Cases for renewing a Retail Alcohol License

According to Section II of Appendix IV issued with Decree 139/2025/ND-CP, specific cases eligible for re-issuance to ensure business continuity include:

• Expiration: Re-issuance due to the license’s validity period expiring.
• Loss or Damage: Re-issuance due to the license being lost or damaged.
• Submission Deadline: Traders must submit the application dossier for re-issuance to the Commune-level People’s Committee where their headquarters is located 30 days before the license expires.

Application for renewal of retail liquor license

Preparing a complete and accurate dossier is the first crucial step. Based on Clause 2, Section I, Appendix IV of Decree 139/2025/ND-CP, the dossier includes:

• Application Form: A request form for an alcohol retail license (Form No. 01 issued with Decree No. 105/2017/ND-CP).
• Legal Documents: A copy of the Enterprise/Cooperative/Business Household Registration Certificate.
• Premises & Supplier Proof: A copy of the lease/lending contract or documents proving the legal right to use the proposed retail location; and copies of introduction letters or principle contracts with alcohol suppliers.

Procedures for Re-issuance of Alcohol Retail License Upon Expiration

Pursuant to Clause 1, Section II, Appendix IV of Decree 139/2025/ND-CP, the procedure for re-issuance due to expiration is conducted similarly to a new issuance:

Step 1: Prepare the Dossier

• Traders prepare all components as listed above (Application form, Registration certificate, Location proof, Supplier contracts).
• Note that re-issuance due to expiration follows the same stringent checks as a new application.

Step 2: Submit and Appraise

• The trader submits the dossier to the Commune-level People’s Committee.
• Within 10 working days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the authority reviews, appraises, and grants the license. If refused, a written response stating the reason is required.

Step 3: Handling Incomplete Dossiers

• If the dossier is incomplete or invalid, within 03 working days of receipt, the Commune-level People’s Committee must issue a written request for supplementation.

The competent authority is responsible for reissuing retail liquor licenses.

According to Article 7 of Decree 139/2025/ND-CP, the authority to reissue retail liquor licenses as stipulated in points c and d of Clause 1, Article 25; and Article 33 of Decree No. 105/2017/ND-CP is exercised by the People’s Committee at the commune level.

Previously, this was a three-tiered government model (Province – District – Commune), but now it will be streamlined to two tiers: Province and Commune, simplifying the administrative apparatus and creating more favorable conditions for citizens and businesses from July 1, 2025.

Long Phan Consulting Company provides consulting services on the procedures for renewing retail liquor licenses

Long Phan Consulting Company offers a comprehensive service package to help clients save time and minimize legal risks.

• Advisory & Guidance: We consult on legal requirements and conditions for re-issuance; guide the preparation of all necessary documents and contracts.
• Representation: We represent the client to submit the dossier to the competent authority and monitor the review process to resolve any arising issues promptly.
• Post-Licensing Support: We receive the license result and advise on legal compliance during business operations, including handling complaints if the application is refused.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Procedure for Renewing a Retail Liquor License

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the procedure for renewing a retail liquor license; please refer to them:

What is the processing time for renewing a retail liquor license?

Based on Clause 3, Section I, Appendix IV of Decree 139/2025/ND-CP, the processing time is stipulated as follows:

• Within 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the People’s Committee of the commune shall review, appraise, and issue a license to the business. In case of refusal to issue the license, a written response must be provided stating the reasons.
• If the application is incomplete, within 3 working days from the date of receipt, the People’s Committee of the commune must issue a written request for supplementary documents.

Validity period of retail liquor license

The retail liquor license is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

Based on the provisions of Article 28 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, as amended by Clause 20, Article 16 of Decree 17/2020/ND-CP

What should I do if my application for a retail liquor license is rejected?

In the event that an application for a retail liquor license is rejected, the competent authority must provide a written response stating the reasons as prescribed by law. Customers may rectify the reasons for rejection and resubmit the application, or appeal the rejection decision if they believe it is not in accordance with the law.

Based on the guidance in Clause 4, Section I, Appendix IV issued with Decree 139/2025/ND-CP

How many copies of a retail liquor license are issued to a business?

The retail liquor license will be issued in multiple copies: one copy will be given to the business owner, two copies will be kept at the licensing authority, one copy will be sent to the Department of Industry and Trade, one copy will be sent to the Market Management Department, and one copy will be sent to the liquor manufacturer or other liquor business listed in the license.

Based on Clause 5, Article 29 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, as amended by Clause 21, Article 16 of Decree 17/2020/ND-CP

Is it mandatory to establish a business when applying for a renewal of a retail liquor license?

Yes. Conditions for retail sale of alcohol. The applicant for the license must be an enterprise, cooperative, cooperative union, or business household established in accordance with the law.

Legal basis: Clause 1, Section I, Appendix IV issued together with Decree 139/2025/ND-CP

Conclusion

Re-issuing an alcohol retail license is a critical procedure requiring strict compliance. Customers need to prepare dossiers carefully and meet all conditions to ensure quick approval. For detailed advice on procedures, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company immediately via Hotline: 1900636389  for the best support.