Every city needs watering holes where people can drown their sorrows and throw glass bottles at ech other over football matches, and Kuala Lumpur is no different.
If you want to supply Kuala Lumpur residents with liquid courage, you’ll need a suitable space and a pub or bar premise license from the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL).
If you’re fluent in Malay, go ahead and read DBKL’s guide.
For those who failed BM in their SPM, we’ve translated the guide into English just for you!
Here’s how we’ll break it down:
- Required documents
- General premise license requirements
- Pub / bar premise requirements, and
- License fees
Let’s begin.
Required documents
You’ll need to prepare the following documents for submission to DBKL:
- A copy of the company / business registration (Form 9 & 49 or Form D with business and owner information)
- A copy of the applicant’s identification card / passport
- A copy of the premise floor plan with measurements
- A copy of the premises location plan (street)
- Two (2) photographs of the premise exterior and interior from different angles
- A stamped rental agreement / permission to rent letter with a copy of the owner’s identification card certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (if renting)
This means that you’ll need to either register an Enterprise or incorporate a Sdn Bhd before applying for the pub license.
Not sure which is right for you? Our Enterprise vs Sdn Bhd guide can help you decide.
General premise license conditions
These are requirements that all premises under DBKL’s authority must meet to keep their license and be eligible for renewal.
- Can ONLY be used for business activities stated in the license.
- The license must always be displayed in a visible place.
- Business activities must be conducted within the premises only.
- It is prohibited to use the sidewalk or open areas around the premises as part of business activities.
- No premise modifications without permission.
- The exterior and interior of the building must always be kept clean.
- The business must not cause any disturbance or pollution to the environment.
- Adequate trash bins, approved by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, must be provided, and trash should be placed in plastic bags before being disposed of in the bins.
- The keeping of any animals is prohibited within the business premises.
Ever been to bars where the owner’s pet dog sleeps inside and sniffs around the seating area?
Not a good look!
DBKL officers routinely conduct surprise premise inspections, and should your business be found in violation of its license requirements, your license could be revoked without renewal.
Feed the strays outside the shop!
Specific requirements for pub and bar premises
These are conditions specific to pubs and bars and In total, there are five categories.
Premise location and type
You can open a bar or pub in the following premise types:
- Commercial Complexes and Hotels (3, 4, and 5 stars only)
- Ground floor shop houses or office shops in city centers, tourist, and high-traffic areas
- Old Residential Premises in Commercial Zones that have received Development Order (DO) for change of use
Premise specifications
Your bar or pub must:
- Be in a commercial building / complex facing the main road with access to the city
- Have soundproof walls installed if engaging in entertainment activities
Proximity to sensitive areas
Your bar or pub must be at least 100 meters away from:
- Residential areas
- Places of worship, and
- Educational institutions
Additional licensing
- Entertainment License if entertainment activities are planned
- Alcohol license for serving alcohol (duh)
- Food handling certification, and
- Development Order (DO) if converting old residential premises
Social sensitivity
No sale of items that could offend the Malaysian community (let common sense and good judgment prevail and you will be fine)
License fees
DBKL pub and bar premise licenses are valid for one year upon issuance, and rates are based on the floor space of the premises.
| Dining Area Size | Fee (RM) |
| Up to 90 square meters | 200 |
| Up to 120 square meters | 300 |
| > 120 square meters | 400 |
Security deposit
DBKL requires a deposit of up to RM50,000 as a sort of insurance policy since bars and pubs are slightly riskier than your average nasi lemak business.
The exact amount requested is specific to each application, and there’s no way to predict the figure beforehand, so have RM50,000 ready in case you get hit with the full amount!
We wish you all the best with your upcoming business, and we’re happy to help where we can.
Let MISHU help with your DBKL pub license application
If you dread dealing with red tape and filling in forms, the MISHU team can help apply for your DBKL premise license on your behalf.