Liquor Licence (Class 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4) [LLAPL001]
The Liquor Licence (Class 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4) is issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for businesses intending to sell or supply liquor in Singapore. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically taking around 3 weeks.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing time
- approximately 3 weeks
- Issuing authority
- SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE (SPF)
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Who needs the Liquor Licence (Class 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4) [LLAPL001]
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 56 — FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Includes: 56111 Restaurants, 56112 Cafes, 56121 Fast food outlets, 56122 Operators of food courts, hawker centres, coffee shops and canteens (with mainly food and beverage income)
- Required to operateDivision 47 — RETAIL TRADE
Includes: 47101 Supermarkets and hypermarkets, 47102 Mini-marts, convenience stores and provision shops, 47103 Department stores, 47109 Retail sale in non-specialised stores n.e.c.
What's involved in getting the Liquor Licence (Class 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4) [LLAPL001]
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Liquor Licence enables businesses in Singapore to legally sell or supply liquor, which is essential for establishments such as bars, restaurants, and retail outlets that wish to offer alcoholic beverages to customers.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be issued, certain prerequisites must be satisfied. For instance, a valid Hawker Licence is required specifically for Class 2B Licence applications. Additionally, if the business is a non-ACRA entity, a Registration of Society Certificate must be provided. Furthermore, the business must secure URA planning permission or HDB lodgement along with a supporting letter confirming the change of use. An ACRA Business Profile detailing the company’s particulars is also necessary. All documentation must adhere to specified file formats and size limits.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Singapore Police Force conducts a thorough review of the application, which includes an assessment of the submitted documents and compliance with local regulations. The agency may also conduct inspections to ensure that the premises meet the necessary safety and operational standards before granting the licence.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Liquor Licence can face delays or rejections due to several common issues. One frequent reason is the failure to provide complete or accurate documentation, such as mismatched premises use or missing supporting letters. Additionally, if the premises do not comply with URA or HDB requirements, this can lead to complications. Ensuring all prerequisites are met and documentation is in order can significantly reduce the risk of application stalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Hawker Licence
- Only required for Class 2B Licence applications.
- File format: pdf,jpg,gif,doc,docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Registration of Society Certificate
- Only applicable for Non-ACRA entity
- File format: pdf,jpg,gif,doc,docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- URA planning permission / HDB lodgement and supporting letter
- Supporting letter from HDB Lodgement or change of Use permission from URA.
- File format: pdf,jpg,gif,doc,docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- ACRA Business Profile
- ACRA Business Profile with company details
- File format: pdf,jpg,gif,doc,docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Liquor Licence (Class 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4) [LLAPL001] FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, obtaining the appropriate Liquor Licence is essential for any business in Singapore that intends to sell or supply liquor. Operating without this licence can lead to legal penalties and fines.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally sell or supply liquor to customers, which is crucial for establishments like bars, restaurants, and retail outlets that wish to offer alcoholic beverages.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the necessary Liquor Licence can result in significant legal consequences, including fines, closure of the business, and potential criminal charges against the owners or operators.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. This includes failing to provide the required supporting letters or mismatches between the premises' approved use and the intended liquor sales.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Liquor Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Singapore Police Force.
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Other SPF licences
Class 5 - Temporary Liquor Licence [LLAPL002]
The Class 5 - Temporary Liquor Licence is issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for businesses intending to supply liquor. Valid for up to 30 days, the processing time is approximately 3 weeks. This licence is essential to avoid significant penalties for unlicensed liquor supply in Singapore.
Explosive User Licence for Blasting Operation
The Explosive User Licence for Blasting Operation is required by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for businesses involved in blasting operations. The validity period is unspecified, and processing typically takes up to 60 days.
Licence to Import or Export Explosives [AIEP002]
The Licence to Import or Export Explosives is issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for businesses involved in the import or export of explosives. This licence is valid for 30 days, with processing typically completed in 14 working days.
Liquor Consumption Permit
The Liquor Consumption Permit is required by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for events where liquor will be consumed. It is applicable for various events and has a processing time of 4 working days from receipt of the application and necessary supporting documents.
Liquor Licence - Extension of Operating Hours [LLAPL003]
The Liquor Licence - Extension of Operating Hours is issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and allows businesses with a valid liquor licence to extend their operating hours. The validity period is confirmed by the agency, and processing typically takes around 3 weeks.
Massage Establishment Licence [MEAPL001]
The Massage Establishment Licence is required by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for any business providing massage services in an establishment. Validity can be 1, 2, or 3 years, with processing typically completed in 4 weeks.