In order to sell, offer to sell, or hold with the purpose to sell alcoholic drinks in the Republic of Cyprus, one needs to obtain the license for the sale of intoxicating liquors (retailer’s license and dealer’s license) by the Municipality, within which the premises are located, or in any other case by the District Officer of the District, within the boundaries of which the premises are located.

A retailer’s license is to be obtained in the case of retail sale of alcoholic drinks in specific premises or place for the consumption either inside or outside the premises/place. Moreover, a dealer’s license is to be obtained in the case of selling alcoholic drinks, in any way other than retailing, within specific premises or place for consumption either inside or outside the premises/place.

The term “alcoholic drinks or intoxicating liquors” refers to alcohol and beverages containing alcohol of any mixture that are suitable or intended for or can be processed in order to be used as drinks, such as wines and beers.

Eligibility Criteria

Every natural or legal person is eligible to obtain the license for the sale of intoxicating liquors (retailer’s license or dealer’s license) , provided that the Municipal Council or the District Officer is satisfied that the requirements set by different legislations of the Republic of Cyprus, applicable to the specific nature of the business activity are met, such as the obtainment of the license for the operation of a catering and entertainment establishment issued by the Cyprus Tourism Organization, the possession of a Clear Criminal Record Certificate.

Application Procedure

The Application form for the issuance of the license for the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors (Retailer’s and Dealer’s license) can be submitted directly to the local Municipal Council or District Administration Office, depending on the location of the premises. The contact details of the local authorities are provided in related documents. The application form may vary according to the local Municipal Council or District Administration Office.

It is noted that, during the examination of the application, the Municipal Council requests opinions by the District Officer, the Cyprus Tourism Organization, the Police, the Technical Service of the Municipality, the Health Service of the Municipality.

The applicant is informed regarding the granting of the license within two months from the date that the application form and supporting documents were duly submitted. Upon approval, the applicant needs to pay the relevant fees depending on the type of premises (License fees by category in related documents), to the local Municipal Council / District Administration Office accordingly. The method of payment depends on the local Municipal Council / District Administration Office.

The license for the sale of intoxicating liquors (retailer’s license and dealer’s license) is valid until the 12th of the March following the date of issue. In the case where a license is issued by Municipalities, the license is renewed by following the same procedure as described above. In the case of a District, the application for the renewal of the license for selling alcoholic drinks is to be submitted.

Obligations and Supervision

Licensed persons to sell intoxicating liquors (retailer’s license and dealer’s license) are obliged to comply with the provisions of the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors (Spirits) Law (Cap 144) and relevant Regulations, as periodically amended, as well as with the terms and conditions of the license set by the Municipal Council or District Officer.

Indicatively, licensed persons to sell alcoholic drinks are obliged to comply with the following:

• the sale of alcoholic drinks to person under the age 17 It is prohibited;
• all the bottles that include alcohol should remain sealed and should have the inscription as originally imported;
• any transport of alcoholic drinks from any dealer or retailer within a container other than the original container is prohibited.

Authorized officers of the Municipality or District Administration Office may inspect the place, for which the license has been issued, in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant Laws and Regulations, as well as with the terms and conditions of the license.