LICENSING | Application for an Alcohol Licence in a Café

The first matter to be decided on is which licence to apply for, there are two kinds, namely:

a)    A Wine Retailer’s on Licence: This permits the sale of wine and other fermented beverages (i.e. beer and cider) with an alcohol content not exceeding 22% ABV which must be consumed on the premises.

b)    A Special Restaurant Licence: This licence permits the sale of all types of alcohol, but it must be served along with a substantial meal. So, the serving of snacks would not qualify.

Eligibility

• Check your café’s compliance with planning, health, and safety regulations.

• Ensure your business is registered and up to date as a food service establishment.

• Non-alcoholic drinks must be available to customers.

Documents that Accompany the Application

• The application must show proof that your café is a registered business.

• Evidence that your café premises is fully compliant with the planning regulations and health and safety regulatory requirements.

• Tax Clearance Certificate, this can be obtained from the Revenue.

Licence Fees

A Wine Retailer’s on Licence will cost €500 pa.

A Special Restaurant Licence varies depending on the premises.

All licences are renewed annually on 1 October at the Annual Licensing District Court. 

Objections

Objections can be made by local residents, ratepayers, and authorities like An Garda Síochána can object to a café or restaurant seeking an alcohol licence under specific legal grounds set out in Irish licensing legislation.

Grounds of Objections

a)    Character of the applicant: where it is shown that the applicant has a record of misconduct, criminal convictions, or is otherwise considered unfit to hold a liquor licence. Either the Gardai or members of the public can make these types of objections but must have grounds to do so.

b)    The premises is unsuitable for the particular neighbourhood. It could be claimed that granting the licence would disrupt the quiet and order of the local residential area, or lead to an undesirable concentration of licensed venues.

c)     Objections on fire safety concerns.

d)    The granting of the licence could create anti-social behaviour or traffic congestion.

e)    The neighbourhood is already well serviced with premises selling alcohol.

To ensure an application complies with its applicant’s obligations and to manage any objections, engaging a solicitor with licensing expertise is recommended.