Malaysia Public House Liquor License
- Roger Pay
- Aug 15, 2025
- 7 min read
Malaysia Liquor License Process
Malaysia Public House Liquor License
In Malaysia, a public house liquor license is required for businesses that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, such as bars, pubs, and restaurants. The process of obtaining this license can be complex and is regulated by various government bodies. Here's a breakdown of the key information:
Licensing Authorities
The primary authorities involved in the liquor licensing process are:
Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD): Responsible for regulating the sale and distribution of alcohol under the Excise Act 1976.
Local Council/Local Authority: This is the primary body that issues the license. The specific local council will depend on the location of your business (e.g., Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur - DBKL for Kuala Lumpur).
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a public house liquor license, you generally must meet the following criteria:
Business Registration: Your business must be a registered entity with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). This can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or a private limited company (Sdn Bhd).
Premises: The business premises must be suitable and located in a commercially zoned area. There are often restrictions on how close the premises can be to sensitive areas like residential neighborhoods, places of worship, or educational institutions.
Proof of Ownership/Tenancy: You must provide a tenancy agreement or a land title as proof of ownership or rental of the premises.
Applicant Requirements: The business owner or applicant must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, at least 21 years old, and have a clean criminal record.
Shareholders/Partners: Some local councils have a requirement that there should be no Muslim shareholders, owners, or partners in the business.
Other Licenses: You will likely need to have other licenses in place, such as a business premises license, a signboard license, and potentially an entertainment license if you plan to have live music or other forms of entertainment.
Application Process
The application process typically involves several steps, though the exact procedure can vary depending on the local council:
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the basic requirements.
Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, which commonly include:
Business registration documents (SSM).
Certified copy of the applicant's ID (MyKad).
Stamped tenancy agreement or land title.
Floor plan of the premises.
Photos of the premises (interior and exterior).
Approval letters from relevant local authorities (e.g., Police Department, Health Department, Fire Department).
Submit Application: Fill out the application form from the relevant local council and submit it with all the required documents. Some councils, like DBKL, may have an online portal for applications.
Pay Fees: Application fees vary depending on the type of license, location, and the size of the premises. They can range from a few hundred to a few thousand Malaysian Ringgit.
Inspection and Approval: The authorities will review your application and may conduct a physical inspection of your premises to ensure compliance with health, safety, and zoning regulations.
Police Interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview with the local police department, which will also conduct a background check.
Final Approval: Once all checks are cleared and you receive approval, you will be issued the license, which is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Important Notes
Timeline: The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the location and the specific requirements of the local council.
Prohibitions: It is illegal to sell alcohol to individuals under 21 and to Muslims.
Signage: Some local councils prohibit the use of visuals or words related to alcohol on signboards. You must prioritize Bahasa Malaysia in any signage.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to contact the specific local authority for the location where you plan to open your business.
Fees
Obtaining a public house liquor license in Malaysia involves several fees, and the costs can vary significantly depending on the local council, the type of license, and the size of your establishment. It's crucial to understand that there isn't a single, standardized fee for all of Malaysia.
Here's a breakdown of the potential fees you may encounter:
1. Application and License Fees
Public House Liquor License: This is the main license for on-premise consumption. Fees for this can range from RM 1,000 to RM 5,000 annually. For a "Beer House" license, which is a specific type of public house license for selling only beer and sometimes wine, the fees may be lower, typically ranging from RM 500 to RM 2,000.
Business Premises License & Signboard License: These are separate licenses you must obtain from your local council. The costs for these can range from a few hundred to a few thousand ringgit, and they often depend on the size of your premises. For instance, some local councils have a tiered fee structure based on the square meterage of the dining area.
2. Security Deposit
Some local councils, like Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), may require a security deposit. This deposit can be a substantial amount, which could be as high as RM 50,000. This is often seen as a form of insurance for establishments considered "riskier" and the exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis.
3. Other Potential Costs
Excise Duty: If you are importing alcoholic beverages, you will be subject to excise duties and taxes. These can be very high, estimated to be between 150% to 250% of the value of the goods.
Entertainment License: If your public house plans to have live music or other forms of entertainment, you will need a separate entertainment license. The fees for this can vary significantly depending on the type of entertainment and the number of patrons.
Professional Services: Many businesses choose to use a consultant or agent to navigate the complex application process. The fees for these services are an additional cost to consider.
Important Note
The information provided here is a general guide. For the most accurate and up-to-date fees, it is essential to contact the specific local authority (e.g., city council, municipal council) for the area where your business is located. They will be able to provide you with the latest fee schedules and application requirements.
Bestar Professional Fees
Hiring Bestar to handle the application for a public house liquor license in Malaysia can simplify a complex process, but it comes with additional costs. Our professional fees are separate from the government fees.
Professional Fees
Consultancy Fees: Expect to pay between USD 720 and USD 2,400 for Bestar to manage the entire application process. This fee covers our expertise, document preparation, submission, and follow-up with the relevant government agencies, such as the local council and police.
What the Fees Cover
Document Preparation: Bestar helps ensure all required paperwork is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of application rejection. This includes preparing forms, reviewing floor plans, and compiling business registration documents.
Liaison with Authorities: We act as an intermediary between you and the local council, the police, and other government bodies. This can be particularly useful for navigating bureaucratic hurdles and a potentially lengthy approval process.
Strategic Advice: Bestar can provide advice on specific requirements for your location, such as proximity to schools or places of worship, which can significantly affect your application's success.
Expediting the Process: While we can't guarantee a faster approval, our experience and established connections can help to avoid common delays and ensure the application moves through the system as efficiently as possible.
Key Factors Affecting the Cost
Location: Fees can differ based on the state and local council (e.g., Kuala Lumpur vs. a smaller town).
Complexity: A straightforward application for a small pub might cost less than a complex one for a large club in a highly regulated area.
Keep in mind that our professional fees do not include the government fees for the liquor license itself, the business premises license, or any required security deposits.
How Bestar can Help
The process of applying for a public house liquor license in Malaysia can be complex and time-consuming, with specific rules and requirements that vary depending on the local council. This is where Bestar can be incredibly valuable. We specialize in navigating these bureaucratic hurdles and can significantly streamline the process.
Here's a breakdown of how Bestar can help:
1. Expertise and Knowledge
Understanding Regulations: Bestar has in-depth knowledge of the specific rules and regulations of different local councils (e.g., DBKL, MBPJ). We are up-to-date on any changes in laws, which is crucial as requirements can change.
Assessing Eligibility: We can quickly assess your business's eligibility for a license, including checking if your proposed location complies with zoning regulations and is not too close to a school, mosque, or other restricted areas. This can save you a lot of time and money by preventing you from pursuing a non-viable location.
2. Document Preparation and Management
Ensuring Completeness: A common reason for application delays or rejections is incomplete or incorrect paperwork. Bestar helps you gather and organize all the necessary documents, such as your SSM registration, floor plans, tenancy agreements, and approval letters from various departments (e.g., Police, Fire & Rescue).
Reviewing and Drafting: We can review your documents, such as tenancy agreements, to ensure they meet all the licensing requirements. We also help draft supporting statements that strengthen your application.
3. Liaison and Communication
Acting as a Point of Contact: Instead of you having to deal with multiple government departments, Bestar acts as a single point of contact, handling all communication and follow-ups on your behalf.
Expediting the Process: While we cannot guarantee a specific timeline, our experience and understanding of the system can help to avoid common delays. We know who to contact and what information is needed to keep the process moving.
4. Handling Challenges and Compliance
Addressing Potential Issues: If an issue arises with your application, Bestar can help you develop a strategy to address it. For example, if an inspection raises a concern, we can advise you on the necessary steps to achieve compliance.
Ongoing Compliance: Beyond the initial application, Bestar offers services for timely license renewals and provides guidance on operational compliance, such as adhering to permitted hours of sale and other license conditions.
In essence, hiring a professional for your liquor license application is an investment that can save you significant time, reduce stress, and increase your chances of a successful application by preventing costly mistakes and navigating the complexities of the Malaysian bureaucracy.
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