How to Obtain a Liquor and Alcohol License in Bangladesh and Regulations
To apply for a Bar License in Bangladesh, you must prepare a comprehensive dossier. The process is rigorous, bureaucratic, and involves multiple agencies. This guide details the 7-Step Application Lifecycle, from entity formation to the final Ministry approval.
The Licensing Roadmap
Strategic Business Formation
Before approaching the DNC, your entity must be legally structured to support a hospitality business. A generic trading license is insufficient.
Must be issued by the City Corporation (DNCC/DSCC) and explicitly mention "Hotel", "Restaurant", or "Club".
If a Ltd. Company, the MoA/AoA Object Clause must permit "Hospitality and Beverage Service".
Star Rating (MoCAT)
You cannot apply for a Hotel Bar License without a valid Star Rating Certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism (MoCAT).
1. Application (Annexure-I): Collect the "Application for Classification" form from the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).
2. Submission: Submit to the "Controller of Hotels" at MoCAT (Secretariat) with building plans.
3. Joint Inspection: A committee (MoCAT + DNC + District Admin) inspects your property.
Target: Minimum 3-Star Rating required for Bar eligibility.
Site Preparation & Layout Compliance
Your premises must pass strict physical infrastructure rules before application.
Premises must NOT be within 100 yards of any Mosque, Temple, Church, School, or Hospital. You must sign a Judicial Affidavit confirming this.
Detailed engineering drawing required showing: (1) Secure Strong Room (Godown) for stock, (2) Bar Counter, (3) Seating Area.
Submission: Form 'Ka'
Compile all documents into a comprehensive dossier and submit the formal application using Form 'Ka' (Schedule 2).
Submit To: Director General, Department of Narcotics Control (Head Office) or Regional Deputy Director.
Fee: Deposit Application Fee (BDT 1,000-10,000) via Treasury Challan Code: 1-2261-0000-2681.
District Committee Review (The Gatekeeper)
The DNC forwards your file to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the District. This is the most critical vetting stage.
- 1. Committee Review: The DC heads the District Narcotics Control Committee which reviews the application.
- 2. Police Verification (SB): The Special Branch (SB) verifies the antecedents of all Directors/Owners to ensure no criminal record.
- 3. Recommendation: The file moves to the Ministry ONLY if the DC and Police give a positive recommendation.
Ministry Approval & Payment
Final clearance is granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Upon approval, you will receive a Demand Note.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Initial License Fee | 50,000 - 10,00,000+ |
| Late Closing License | 50,000 |
Issuance & Compliance
Once fees are verified, the License is issued. You must now adhere to ongoing rules:
- Sourcing: Maintain 60% Domestic (Carew/Crown) vs 40% Import ratio.
- Registers: Maintain Daily Stock/Sales Register.
- Closures: Strictly closed on Fridays and Religious Holidays.
Master Document Checklist
1. Form 'Ka' Application
Prescribed DNC Form.
2. Trade License
Up-to-date, mentioning "Bar".
3. TIN & VAT (BIN)
See Tax Guide.
4. Bank Solvency Cert
Proof of financial capability.
5. Layout Plan (Blueprint)
Detailed map of Bar & Godown.
6. Title Deed / Lease
See Property Guide.
7. Fire License
NOC from Fire Service.
8. Environment Clearance
From Dept. of Environment.
9. Affidavit (100 Yards)
Judicial Stamp: Not near Mosque/School.
10. Star Rating (Hotels)
Certificate from MoCAT.
11. Member List (Clubs)
200 Permit-Holding Members.
Hotel Star Rating (Prerequisite)
To obtain a Bar License for a hotel, you must first possess a valid Star Rating Certificate (Minimum 3-Star recommended) from MoCAT.
Submit "Annexure-I" to the Controller of Hotels (MoCAT).
Joint committee inspects: Generator, Parking, Room Size, Fire Safety.
License Categories
1. On-Shop License Rule 2(1)
Strictly for establishments where alcohol is consumed on the premises (e.g., Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Social Clubs).
Requirement: The establishment MUST serve food alongside alcohol.
Constraint: Seated consumption only.
Restriction: No take-away or sealed bottle sales allowed.
2. Off-Shop License Rule 2(2)
For retail outlets and government-authorized stores selling alcohol in sealed bottles or cans.
Requirement: Secure storage and adherence to opening hours.
Constraint: Sales for off-premise consumption only.
Restriction: ZERO consumption allowed on premises. Opening a bottle inside the shop is a punishable offence.
Import & Duty-Free
Specialized Licenses Notification 118
Located at International Airports/Ports. Sales limited to departing/arriving foreign passport holders. See BIDA.
Located in EPZ Commissariats. Authorized to sell to foreign technicians/residents in EPZs. See BEPZA.
Supply of alcohol to docked vessels for crew consumption (Transit/Departure).
Individual Permits
General (Form 'Ga')
- ✓ Age: 21+ Years
- ✓ National ID Copy
- ✓ Fee Payment
Muslim Applicants
Must submit Medical Prescription.
Strictly from an Associate Professor of Medicine.
Penalties Matrix: Narcotics Control Act 2018
WARNING: Offences under this Act are Non-Bailable.
| Offence Description | Ref (Table No) | Quantity / Condition | Mandatory Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selling / Transporting Without License |
Table 24 (Section 36) |
Up to 10 Liters |
Min 1 Year to Max 3 Years + Fine |
| Over 10 Liters |
Min 3 Years to Max 10 Years + Heavy Fine |
||
| Illegal Possession Without Permit |
Table 25 (Section 36) |
Up to 5 Liters |
6 Months to 3 Years + Fine |
| Over 5 Liters |
3 Years to 5 Years + Fine |
||
| Public Nuisance | Table 31 | - |
Up to 3 Months Prison or Fine |
Anyone who aids, abets, or finances the offence (including landlords knowingly renting space) faces the same punishment as the offender.
If a company commits an offence, every Director, Manager, Secretary, and Agent is deemed guilty unless they prove lack of knowledge.
Useful Resources
Government Portals
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