Alcohol License Application Services
Alcohol License Application & Renewal
For businesses engaging in retail, wholesale, and on-premise liquor consumption
We handle all paperwork and submissions with Local Councils and the Police Department, ensuring you can begin operating as soon as possible.
Our Services
We provide restaurants, bars, convenience stores, wholesalers and other retail outlets with end-to-end alcohol license application support, including:
- Paperwork and document processing
- Checking reports with related government agencies
- Follow-up and print-out of liquor license approval letter
- Coordination with Customs, Police, Health, and PBT License departments, and
- Newspaper advertisement arrangement
Alcohol Licenses
Retail License
For retailers selling alcohol to end consumers for off-premises consumption, such as convenience stores, liquor stores, and petrol stations
Requirements:
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Registered Enterprise, LLP, or Sdn. Bhd.
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No Muslim shareholders / owners / partners
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Obtain approval documents from local agencies
-
Premise located away from religious institutions, schools, and known crime hotspots
*Local agencies include Police, Health, and Customs Departments
Public House
For businesses selling alcohol for on-premises consumption including bars, pubs, and restaurants
Requirements:
-
Registered Enterprise, LLP, or Sdn. Bhd.
-
No Muslim shareholders / owners / partners
-
Obtain approval documents from local agencies
-
Premise located away from religious institutions, schools, and known crime hotspots
*Local agencies include Police, Health, and Customs Departments
Wholesale License
For businesses selling alcohol to other wholesalers including manufacturers, importers, and breweries
Requirements:
-
Registered Enterprise, LLP, or Sdn. Bhd.
-
No Muslim shareholders / owners / partners
-
Obtain approval documents from local agencies
-
Have a suitable premise that complies with Council requirements
*Local agencies include Police, Health, and Customs Departments
FAQs
Alcohol licenses are issued by the Local Authority (Majlis Perbandaran / City Council) where your business is located.
Each authority sets its own:
- Fees
- Requirements, and
- Application process
The three most relevant licenses for SMEs are:
- Retail License for selling alcohol for off-premise consumption
- Wholesale License for selling alcohol to retailers or other wholesalers
- Public House License for serving alcohol for on-premise consumption (e.g. bars, restaurants)
You might depending on your business as alcohol licenses are activity-specific.
For example, a bar serving alcohol for on-premise consumption and selling bottles to take home needs both a public house License and retail license.
Most Local Authorities require you to:
- Have a registered business
- Operate from a suitable premise
- Obtain approvals from relevant agencies
- Ensure all owners meet eligibility criteria
You must have a registered entity, such as:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd)
Yes:
- All owners / shareholders must be at least 21 years old
- Muslims are not allowed to own businesses that sell or serve alcohol in Malaysia
This is up to each PBT and Police Department but generally the premise cannot be located:
- Near religious institutions
- Near schools or residential areas
- Near community centres
- In known crime hotspots
- Within buildings under residential units (e.g. condos)
Additionally, wholesale operations must be in designated industrial areas
You must obtain approval letters from:
- Police Department
- Customs Department
- Health Department
- Local Council (PBT)
Generally yes.
Yes, in most cases the local Police Department will interview you and conduct a background check.
Without their approval, your application will be rejected.
Costs vary by location.
Examples:
- Selangor: ~RM840 (Retail License)
- Batu Gajah: ~RM180
General guideline:
- Up to RM1,000 per license
- Valid for 1 year
- Renewable annually
Approval can take several months because each agency processes applications in cycles (every 3–4 months) and multiple approvals are required.
Yes, if you serve or sell alcohol:
- Serve alcohol only → Public House License
- Sell takeaway alcohol → Retail License
Do both and you need both licenses.
Usually not, if alcohol content is below 20% but rules are set by Local Councils so be sure to check with them.
Typical process:
- Prepare documents and attend inspections/interviews
- Advertise your business in a newspaper
- Submit application to Local Authority
- Await approval
Important:
- Public objections can result in rejection
- Choose your location carefully
Got an URGENT question?
Contact us via [email protected] or WhatsApp +60-175159832