Zimbabwe Liquor Licence — Categories, Application & Fees

Categories of Liquor Licences

Category	Description
Bottle Store (Off-Sales)	Sell sealed liquor for consumption off-premises
Bar Licence (On-Consumption)	Sell liquor for consumption on-premises (bars, pubs)
Restaurant Licence	Sell liquor with meals for consumption on-premises
Hotel Licence	Sell liquor to hotel guests and restaurant patrons
Wholesale Liquor Licence	Sell liquor in bulk to licensed retailers
Special Event Licence	Temporary licence for specific events (festivals, functions)

Requirements

Registered company or business (register at registercompany.co.zw)
Business licence from your local council
Suitable premises — must meet health, safety and distance requirements (certain distance from schools, churches and hospitals)
Police clearance — the applicant must have a clean criminal record (how to get police clearance)
Tax clearance from ZIMRA
National ID of applicant/directors
Health certificate for food-handling premises

Application Process

Prepare Your Premises

Ensure your premises meet all requirements including proper storage, toilet facilities, and compliance with distance regulations.

Submit Application to Local Council

Complete the liquor licence application form and submit it to your local city/town council licensing department.

Advertise the Application

The application must be advertised in a local newspaper and at the Magistrate's Court to allow public objections.

Premises Inspection

Council inspectors and police will inspect the premises to verify compliance.

Liquor Licensing Board Hearing

The Liquor Licensing Board (at the Magistrate's Court) will consider your application. If there are no objections and the premises pass inspection, the licence is granted.

Pay Fees and Collect Licence

Pay the applicable fees and collect your liquor licence.

Fees

Fees vary by category and local council:

Licence Type	Typical Annual Fee
Bottle Store	US$100 - US$300
Bar	US$150 - US$400
Restaurant	US$100 - US$350
Hotel	US$200 - US$500
Wholesale	US$300 - US$600
Special Event (temporary)	US$50 - US$150

Note: These are indicative ranges. Contact your local council for current fees.

Renewal

Liquor licences must be renewed annually. Renewal requires:

Tax clearance certificate (ITF 263) from ZIMRA
Current business licence
Payment of renewal fee
No outstanding council debts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the categories of liquor licences in Zimbabwe?

The main categories include: Bottle Store (off-sales), Bar Licence (on-consumption), Restaurant Licence (liquor with meals), Hotel Licence, Wholesale Liquor Licence, and Special Event Licence (temporary).

How much does a liquor licence cost in Zimbabwe?

Fees vary by category and local council. A bottle store licence typically costs US$100-300 per year. Bar and restaurant licences may be higher.

Who issues liquor licences in Zimbabwe?

Liquor licences are issued by the Liquor Licensing Board, which sits at the Magistrate's Court. Applications are submitted through the local council.

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