A liquor licence is required if your company/business/society intends to supply1 any liquor2, unless otherwise exempted under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.
[1] Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, “supply” in relation to liquor, means — (a) to sell, barter or exchange the liquor (whether the reward or consideration is received or to be received by the supplier specifically for the liquor or as part of services or other goods sold, bartered or exchanged); (b) to offer or agree to so sell, barter or exchange the liquor; or (c) to serve, send, forward or deliver the liquor in connection with such sale, barter or exchange, and includes causing or permitting to be supplied.
[2] Liquor means (a) a beverage containing more than 0.5% ethanol by mass or volume; (b) a mixture of ethanol and some other substance or liquid (including water) and containing more than 0.5% ethanol by mass or volume; or (c) any other substance (whether or not a beverage or liquid) that is prescribed by the regulations as liquor.
Anyone found supplying liquor without a valid liquor licence shall be liable on conviction:
- to a fine up to $20,000; and
- where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine up to $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term up to 3 months or both.
Liquor Licence Category and Fees
|
Category of Licence |
Trading hours |
Validity |
Fees (Non-Refundable) |
|
|
Class 1A Supply of liquor (all types, including beer) for consumption at the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence |
0600hrs to 2359hrs | One Year | $880 | |
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Class 1B Supply of liquor (all types, including beer) for consumption at the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence |
0600hrs to 2200hrs | One Year | $660 | |
|
Class 2A Supply of beer only for consumption at the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence |
0600 to 2359hrs | One Year | $460 | |
|
Class 2B Supply of beer only for consumption at licensed premises stated in the liquor licence |
Trading hours as indicated on licence | One Year | $285 | |
|
Class 3A Supply by retail* of liquor for consumption at premises other than the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence; typically for deliveries/takeaways |
0700hrs to 2230hrs | One Year | $110 | |
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Class 3B Supply by retail* of beer only for consumption at premises other than the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence; typically for deliveries/takeaways |
0700hrs to 2230hrs | One Year | $110 | |
|
Class 4 Supply by wholesale* of liquor for consumption at premises other than the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence |
0700hrs to 2230hrs | One Year | $110 | |
|
Class 5 Temporary licence where licence is required for a short period of time, such as once-off events and exhibitions |
Specified time period of not more than 30 consecutive days |
Number of Days |
Fee |
|
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1 |
$22/- |
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2 to 7 |
$44/- |
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8 |
$66/- |
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9 to 14 |
$88/- |
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15 |
$110/- |
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16 to 21 |
$132/- |
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22 |
$154/- |
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23 to 28 |
$176/- |
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29 |
$198/- |
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30 |
$220/- |
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*As defined in the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption)(Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2015;
(a) a supply is by retail if the supply is for less than 30 litres of liquor (whether of a single type or a combination of 2 or more types); and
(b) a supply is by wholesale if the supply is —
(i) to a licensee of any quantity of liquor (whether of a single type or a combination of 2 or more types); or
(ii) without prejudice to sub-paragraph (i), to any person of 30 litres or more of liquor (whether of a single type or a combination of 2 or more types).
Stipulated Under Section 4(2) of Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015
A liquor licence is not required for the following circumstances:
- delivery only to a person, at the request of the person, of liquor that is owned by, or ordered under a contract of purchase by, the person
- in an emergency where the liquor is necessary to preserve life or prevent injury or further injury
- in the course of a religious service, ceremony or rite lawfully conducted by a priest or minister of religion in a place of worship
- any other circumstances as the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, specify
Stipulated Under Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Exemption from Liquor Licence) Order 2015
Information on exemptions from liquor licence can be found here
To be eligible for a liquor licence, the following criteria must be met:
- the applicant fulfils the legal requirements to be granted a liquor licence*;
- the premises at which the liquor is to be supplied is in a location that is suitable for that supply.
*For more information, you may click on the link: “Guidelines on the criteria and requirements for a person to be fit and proper to hold a liquor licence."
No licensed premises shall remain open beyond the trading hours stated in the licence, unless it is to be used for any purpose other than the supply of liquor. Under Section 6 (4) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption Act 2015, offenders who supply of liquor after the stipulated trading hours shall be liable on conviction to a fine up to $10,000.
There are 2 types of extension hours: Regular and Ad-hoc.
|
Type |
Applicable if you possess any of the following valid licence |
Fees (Non-Refundable) |
|
Regular Extension
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Ad-hoc Extension
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*You may apply for a Class 5 licence and extension hours at the same time.
Granting of Extended Liquor Trading Hours for Restaurant and Restaurant-hybrid Uses
With effect from 1 July 2019, Police will not grant extended liquor trading hours for all premises with Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) planning approval for “restaurant”, with the exception of premises with planning approval for restaurant-hybrid uses* such as “restaurant and bar”.
*This is subjected to further URA restrictions. Accordingly, restaurant-hybrid uses such as “restaurant and bar” in the following area designated by URA will not be granted extended liquor trading hours. please refer to the map below;
The Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) is to strictly adhere to the licensed timing or the authorised timing for use of the ORA, whichever is earlier. Example, liquor licence is stated from 0600hrs to 2359hrs while usage of ORA is allowed till 2300hrs. Then the supply and consumption of liquor at the ORA is permitted till 2300hrs.
With effect from 1 August 2017, Class 3A, 3B or 4 Liquor Licence Holders will be able to deliver liquor beyond the trading hours specified in the liquor licence if the delivery is made to a non-public place in Singapore. More information and FAQ can be found here.
The liquor licensing conditions can be found here.
Definition
Liquor Control Zones are defined as areas in Singapore that carries a significant risk of public disorder associated with the consumption of liquor.
Liquor Control Zone Areas
With effect from 1 April 2015, the following two areas are declared to be Liquor Control Zones under section 15(1) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.
Geylang area as described in Part 1 of the Schedule
Little India area as described in Part 2 of the Schedule.
For a more detailed information of boundaries within the liquor control zone, please click here.
Trading Hours in Liquor Control Zone
Trading hours in Liquor Control Zone for licensed premises holding Class 3A, Class 3B or Class 4 Liquor licence are
|
Day |
Daily trading hours |
|
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday |
7.00am to 10.30pm |
|
Any Saturday or Sunday |
7.00am to 7.00pm |
|
Any eve of Public Holiday |
7.00am to 7.00pm |
|
Any Public Holiday |
Matters relating to the importation of liquor would fall under the purview of the Singapore Customs. Relevant information is available at: https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/import-procedures
You can request for a replacement copy of your existing liquor licence in person at Police Licensing & Regulatory Department.
You will need to pay $11.00 for each new copy.
Advisory on requirements under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015 for any person or business who supplies liquor online (through an electronic commerce platform or otherwise) or through a telecommunication service
With effect from 2 January 2024, regulation 11 of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2015 will be amended to regulate the supply of liquor to persons younger than 18 years, through any one or more of the following means: (a) online (whether through an electronic commerce platform or otherwise), or (b) a telecommunication service. The new requirements are as follows:
(a) A licensee, and an employee of the licensee, must not supply any liquor to an individual who is younger than 18 years online (whether through electronic commerce platforms or otherwise) or through a telecommunication service;
(b) A licensee, and an employee of the licensee, who supplies liquor to an individual online (other than through a third-party electronic commerce platform) or through a telecommunication service, must:
- warn the individual that it is an offence for the individual to buy liquor if the individual is younger than 18 years, and
- inform the individual of the penalty for the offence;
(c) A licensee, and an employee of the licensee, who supplies liquor to an individual through a third-party electronic commerce platform must not do so if the licensee or employee knows, or ought reasonably to know, that the person operating the electronic commerce platform does not do any of the following:
- take all reasonable steps to ascertain that the individual is 18 years or older;
- warn the individual that it is an offence for the individual to buy liquor if the individual is younger than 18 years, and
- inform the individual of the penalty for the offence.
2. A breach of regulation 11 of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2015 is an offence, punishable with a fine not exceeding $10,000.
3. An electronic commerce platform/an online platform which (a) enables an individual to buy an item online through the platform; (b) allows the individual to pay for the item online through the platform; and (c) automatically confirms with the individual a delivery address for the item will require a licence to supply liquor. In addition, these electronic commerce platforms are also encouraged to put up notices warning sellers of the need to be licensed in order to supply liquor. Electronic commence platforms will be requested to assist the Singapore Police Force in taking down any such listings put up by these unlicensed sellers, whether they are detected by the Singapore Police Force or otherwise.
4. Please refer to the FAQ for more information or email SPF_PLRD_PELLD@spf.gov.sg if you require any clarification.
Advisory on display of notices at the licensed premises of Class 1A, Class 1B, Class 2A or Class 2B liquor licensees under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2021
With effect from 1 Mar 2023, under regulation 7A of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, all Class 1A, Class 1B, Class 2A or Class 2B liquor licensees are required to display at the licensed premises, one or more notices containing the following information legibly and in at least the English language:
- the trading hours* applicable to the licensee;
- that any supply or consumption of liquor is not allowed outside of the trading hours applicable to the licensee;
- that any consumption of liquor within the licensed premises outside of the trading hours applicable to the licensee may be an offence under section 12(1) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015. Under section 12(1), an individual must not consume any liquor at any public place during any prescribed no‑public drinking period applicable to that place.
2. The licensee may, in addition to English, also add other languages into the notice(s).
3. The notice(s) must (i) be conspicuously displayed in prominent positions and (ii) be in such number as will bring the information at paragraph 1 to the attention of any individual consuming or proposing to consume liquor at the premises. For instance:
- the notice(s) may be placed at all entrances of the premises, e.g. restaurants/bars/pubs with fixed entry points;
- where there are no fixed entry points, the notice(s) may be placed at common areas of patronage such as ingress points, ordering points, and washrooms, or at any other area that is easily visible;
- the notice(s) may also be placed at every table and bar counter.
4. A breach of regulation 7A is an offence, and a person guilty of the offence shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Advisory on allowing the consumption of liquor outside applicable trading hours
5. Under section 6(1)(c) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015 (“the Act”), licensees must not allow any liquor to be consumed within the licensed premises, outside of the applicable trading hours. Any licensee who does so may be guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
6. In complying with section 6(1)(c) of the Act, licensees may wish to consider carrying out the following measures:
- Inform patrons that the liquor must be consumed within the trading hours (at the point of sale, service, or at any such time deemed necessary before the end of the trading hours);
- Remind patrons to cease drinking by the end of the trading hours;
- At the end of the trading hours, to collect back all unconsumed liquor for disposal and remind patrons to cease drinking at the premises; and
- To notify the Police, if patrons refuse to comply despite the licensee carrying out step (3) above.
7. For further queries, please contact the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department at Tel:68350000 or via email at SPF_PLRD_PELLD@spf.gov.sg.
*The trading hours applicable to the licensee under regulation 7A(a) shall include the different trading hours that apply to the licensee, in the event the Minister specifies by order in the Gazette under section 6(2) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, that different trading hours apply to the licensee.
New
You may submit a new liquor licence (establishment licence or temporary licence) here.
Renew
Liquor licence can be renewed 2 months prior to expiry. You will receive the renewal notice letter via your registered mailing address and can proceed to submit your intention to renew via the FORMSG.
Processing timing after submission will take approximately three week depending on the complexity of the application, and if approved, licensee will be notified and will be able to pay via GoBusiness website without a RRN Number.
If you are unable to submit the renewal application and require assistance, please email spf_licensing_feedback@spf.gov.sg with your licence information
Amend Licence Details
You may make the following amendments to your existing Liquor licence:
- Company name (*Should the UEN change, you will have to apply for a new liquor licence.)
- Extend or reduce the premises
- Key Appointment Holders
- Mailing address
Cancel Licence
You may cancel your existing liquor licence any time before its expiration.
Please note that there will be no refund of the licence fees upon cancellation of the existing liquor licence, as stipulated under the Liquor Control (Supply & Consumption) Act 2015.
Withdrawal
You may withdraw your application for any liquor licence at any time before the licence is approved.
If the licence has been approved and issued, you will no longer be able to withdraw it and you will need to make a request to cancel the licence.
You are required to obtain the following documents before applying for any Liquor licence.
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) certificate
- NRIC or FIN (for non-Singaporeans with work permit) of the contact person of applicant (company)
- Approval from the land authority:
- Approval from HDB on the supply of liquor at the premises (for public housing); or
- Planning permission from URA/SLA on the land use of the premises; or
- Registry of Societies (ROS) certificate (if applying on behalf of societies); or
- Hawkers licence issued by NEA (for applying for a beer stall as a hawker)
Approximately 3 weeks from the receipt of the application and if all necessary supporting documents are enclosed (if required). Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.
You will be notified of the outcome via SMS, email and post. Alternatively, you may login to GoBusiness Licensing to view your application status.
You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage, which will require you to sign in using your SingPass
If you require assistance or guidance on the GoBusiness portal, please contact their helpdesk at (+65) 6774 1430 or email licences-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com.sg
The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.
The payment for Notice of Composition may be made online via “link”. Please login using your Singpass and quote the “notice number” (example: IF/2021XXXX/0001) found on the top right corner of the Notice of Composition.
Dear Customers,
With effect from 1 August 2021, members of the public who wish to utilise counter services at the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department, Police Cantonment Complex (391 New Bridge Road) would be required to make an appointment in advance.
2. To register for an appointment, please use the following link at www.picktime.com/policelicensing or the below QR code:
3. Upon successful registration, members of the public will receive a notification with details of the scheduled appointments.
4.For enquiries, please use our online services at www.police.gov.sg/licence, reach us using FormSG at http://www.go.gov.sg/PLRD.
5. Thank you.
Additional information related to liquor licence.
GoBusiness is the go-to platform for businesses in Singapore to access Government e-services and resources, including applying for a liquor licence.
If you require assistance or guidance on the GoBusiness portal, please contact their helpdesk at (+65) 6774 1430 or email licences-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com.sg