General Licensing Information
To sell wine, champagne, and beer with food, obtain a wine retailers on licence from Customs and Excise. You then apply to the District Court for a restaurant certificate. The licence allows alcohol sales for off-premises consumption.
The applicant needs a Court Certificate for a Wholesale Beer Dealer’s Licence, which is valid from 1 July to 30 June. Licences expire on 30 June yearly. The cost of a first Pub Licence is €250. Renewal costs depend on previous turnover.
A Manufacturer’s Licence is required by brewers, cider makers, distillers, rectifiers, compounders, and sweets makers to sell spirits. The categories are: Licence to Manufacturer or Wholesale Chemist & Druggist. This period is from 1 October to 30 September.
To sell alcohol in Northern Ireland, apply at your county court. Display notices of your intention in newspapers, on/near premises, and notify the police/council. Notices must have premises plans. Licences apply to on-premises consumption, off-premises sales, hotels, guest houses, and restaurants.
Specific Licences for Restaurants
With a Special Restaurant License, you can sell beer for on-premises consumption with meals. Apply through the District Court after getting your wine licence.
Cost of Alcohol Licences in Ireland
The licensing period is from 1 October to 30 September. The cost of a first Pub Licence is €250. Renewal cost is based on the previous turnover of the business.
Standard restaurant licenses allow you to offer beer, wine, and liquor provided that the proceeds do not exceed 40% of your overall revenues. After being licensed, you can apply for a Restaurant Certificate through the District Court. If successful, you can offer beer for consumption with a meal in addition to your other products.