Alcoholic Drinks Trade

Every physical or legal person is eligible to obtain the licence for the sale of intoxicating liquors (retailer’s licence or dealer’s licence) , 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 licence for the operation of a catering and entertainment establishment issued by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the possession of a Clear Criminal Record Certificate.

Please note that the the age limit for the sale, supply, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages has been increased to 18 years.

The application form for the issuance of the licence for the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors (Retailer’s and Dealer’s licence) can be submitted either through the PSC Cyprus or by contacting directly 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 the “Relates Links”. The application form may vary according to the local Municipal Council or District Administration Office.

Please be informed that, online applications are available on the websites of  certain municipalities (e.g. Nicosia Municipality). Therefore, you are advised to first check the website of the municipality in question before proceeding with the submission of a printed application.

1. The application should be accompanied by the following documents, wherever applicable:

   • copy of identity card or passport (to establish that the applicant is at least 18 years old);
   • recent (3 months) original Criminal Record Certificate for the applicant (in case of a legal person, the certificate must be presented by the legally responsible person and its seller/s);
   • original Certificate for the Classification and Licensing of a Hotel Establishment;
   • copy of Certificate of Incorporation and copy of Certificate of Directors and Secretary (in case of legal person);
   • copy of the Building Permit;
   • copy of the Sanitary Certificate issued by the Municipality;
   • copy of the licence for the operation of a catering and entertainment establishment issued by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (in case the premises concern catering and entertainment establishments and in case the premises are located);
   • copy of the Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the Public Works Department, after the necessary deliberations with the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Works, the Cyprus Fire Service and the Police (in case of a discotheque, live music entertainment establishments, hotels, cabarets, amusement parks located in a District).

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

Upon approval, the applicant needs to pay the relevant fees depending on the type of premises (see the “Licence fees by Category” in the “Applications & Documents”), to the local Municipal Council / District Administration Office accordingly. The method of payment depends on the local Municipal Council / District Administration Office; payments for many services are usually available through JCCSmart (Category : “Municipalities & Com. Councils”).

Administrative Action Against a Competent Authority’s Decision

Any person may file an Administrative Action at the Administrative court against a decision, act or omission of any competent authority or body.

Pursuant to Article 146 of the Constitution, an Administrative Action may be lodged within 75 days from the date of the decision or act or omission or from the day when such decision or act or omission was notified to the applicant.

The Administrative Court acts as a cassation Court and not as a substantive Court. In other words, the Administrative Court may:
I. Dismiss the Administrative Action
II. Annul wholly or partially the contested decision or act
III. Compel the relevant authority or body to take a certain action

After a decision is annulled, the authority and/or public body must reverse things back to the state prior to when the concerned decision and/or act was executed and reexamine.

Appeal Information

An Appeal may be filed against the Administrative Court’s first-instance decision within a period of 42 days from the date such a decision was given.

At the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal Section) hearing, the contested issue of the appeal remains the legality of the decision or act already adjudicated. However, such a revision of the legality of the decision or act is solely examined on the matters and the extent that the two parties have limited the reasons in the relevant notice of appeal.

The decision adopted by the Supreme Court is considered final in relation to the matter that has been judged.

• The Sale of Intoxicating Liquors (Spirits) Law (Cap. 144)

Licensed persons to sell intoxicating liquors (retailer’s licence and dealer’s licence) 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 licence 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 licence 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 licence.