Can I sell alcohol in Cyprus?
Yes — with a liquor-sale licence. To sell, offer for sale or hold alcohol for sale you need a licence for the sale of intoxicating liquors under the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors Law (Cap. 144). It's issued by the Municipality where the premises sit, or by the District Officer outside municipal boundaries. There are different categories for bars, restaurants, retail shops and wholesalers. You may sell only to adults (18+); the law expressly prohibits sale to anyone under 17. Fees vary by category. In short: yes, with the right licence category.
📋 The rules
- Liquor-sale licence (Cap. 144)
- Issued by the Municipality or District Officer
- Different categories: bar, restaurant, retail, wholesale
- Sell only to 18+
- Plus an operating licence + health certificate for hospitality venues
🔓 Exceptions
- Off-sales (retail) vs on-premises consumption: different licence
- Wholesaler: a separate dealer's licence
- Temporary events: a temporary licence may apply
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Selling alcohol without a licence is an offence under Cap. 144, with fines and possible revocation/refusal of a future licence; exact fee and fine amounts vary by category and couldn't be confirmed in a single source. Selling to a minor is a separate offence. Beware a myth: "a restaurant licence automatically covers alcohol" is false — selling liquor needs its own licence. Tip: pick the right category (on/off-sales, bar/retail) before applying to the Municipality.
📎 Official sources
- Business In Cyprus · alcoholic drinks trade →
- Sale of Intoxicating Liquors Law Cap. 144 →
- Business In Cyprus · licence fees by category →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a licence to sell alcohol?
Yes. To sell, offer for sale or hold alcohol for sale you need a liquor-sale licence under Cap. 144. Without it, selling is an offence, regardless of whether you hold another operating licence for the premises.
Who issues the licence?
The licence is issued by the Municipality in whose area the premises sit, or by the District Officer if the premises are outside municipal boundaries. There are different categories depending on the type of business and the kind of sale involved.
At what age can I sell to?
The legal drinking age is 18. The law expressly prohibits sale to anyone under 17, while in practice the enforced minimum is 18. It's wise to ask for ID whenever you're unsure of a customer's age, to avoid an offence.
Does a restaurant licence cover alcohol?
No, not automatically. Selling liquor needs its own sale licence, in addition to the operating licence and the health certificate for the premises. You must choose the correct licence category for the type of business you run.
How much does the licence cost?
Fees vary by the licence category, for example bar, restaurant, retail shop or wholesaler. There is an official fee schedule by category, but the exact current amounts weren't confirmed here, so check with your Municipality or District Officer.
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