How much is the fine for not having a retail liquor license?

Article overview

No retail liquor license can lead to serious legal consequences, including significant fines under applicable laws. Complying with license requirements not only helps businesses operate legally but also creates trust for customers and partners. This article will provide detailed information about the penalties for selling alcohol without a license, along with the benefits of complying with regulations, thereby helping you understand and avoid unnecessary risks.

Can a business sell alcohol retail without a retail liquor license?
Can a business sell alcohol retail without a retail liquor license?

Does alcohol retail require a license?

Pursuant to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 4 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, amended by Clause 1, Article 16 of Decree 17/2020/ND-CP, retailers of alcohol with an alcohol content of 5.5 or more degree or higher must have a license.

In the process of retailing alcohol, traders must comply with legal regulations on environmental protection, food safety, fire prevention and fighting.

For retail traders of alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 5.5 degrees, they must register with the Department of Economics or the District Department of Economics and Infrastructure.

When applying for a retail liquor license, traders must also fully meet the conditions specified in Article 13 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, including:

  1. Being an enterprise, cooperative, cooperative union or business household established in accordance with the law.
  2. Have the right to legally use a fixed business location with a clear address.
  3. There is a written introduction or principle contract of a wine producer, wine distributor or wine wholesaler.

What are the penalties for retailing alcohol without a retail liquor license?

Penalties for retailing alcohol without a retail liquor license are specified in Decree 98/2020/ND-CP on penalties for administrative violations in commercial activities. Specifically:

  1. Violations of registration for selling alcohol with an alcohol content of 5.5 degrees or more for on-site consumption, trading alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 5.5 degrees, and producing handmade wine with an alcohol content of 5.5 degrees or more Sell ​​to establishments licensed to produce alcohol for reprocessing:
  • Fine from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND for the act of manually producing alcohol with an alcohol content of 5.5 degrees or more and selling it to an establishment with a license to produce alcohol for reprocessing without registering with the Committee. People at the commune level where the production facility is located.
  • Fine from 1,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND for selling alcohol with an alcohol content of 5.5 degrees or more for on-site consumption or trading alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 5.5 degrees without registering with the Chamber. Economy or district-level Department of Economics and Infrastructure according to regulations.
  1. A fine from 10,000,000 VND to 15,000,000 VND shall be imposed for the act of trading alcohol in a conditional business investment industry without a business license as prescribed.

Note: The above fine applies to individuals.  For organizations, the fine will be doubled as prescribed in Clause 4, Article 4 of Decree 98/2020/ND-CP amended at Point b, Clause 1, Article 3 of Decree 17/2022/ND-CP.

In addition, unlicensed alcohol businesses may also be subject to additional sanctions such as:

  • Confiscation of evidence of violation (alcohol).
  • Suspension of business operations.
Penalties for retailing alcohol without a license
Penalties for retailing alcohol without a license

Who has the authority to sanction unlicensed alcohol retailing?

The authority to sanction administrative violations in the field of alcohol business belongs to the following agencies:

  • Presidents of People’s Committees at all levels: Have the authority to sanction violations within the scope of their management.
  • Market Management Team Leader: Has the authority to sanction violations in the commercial field, including alcohol business and retail.

Consulting services to support applications for retail liquor licenses in Long Phan

Long Phan provides a comprehensive retail liquor license application service, supporting customers from A to Z during the licensing process. Services include:

  • Advice on licensing conditions and procedures.
  • Instructions for preparing documents.
  • Prepare a profile.
  • Submit application and track results.
  • Representing customers in working with authorities.
  • Receive and return results to customers.

Benefits when using Long Phan’s services:

  • Save time and costs.
  • Ensure documents are valid and in accordance with regulations.
  • Improve efficiency of licensing applications.
  • Minimize risks.

Contact Long Phan today for detailed advice and service use.

Full package retail liquor license application service in Long Phan
Full package retail liquor license application service in Long Phan

To avoid risks and maintain business reputation, applying for a retail liquor license is mandatory and brings long-term benefits. Long Phan team is ready to assist you in completing procedures quickly, ensuring compliance with regulations. Please contact the hotline: 0906735386 for detailed advice today!