No current parliamentarian issued with liquor license: FinMin

Although liquor licenses were issued to owners of hotels approved by the Tourist Board after 2015 with the intention of developing the tourism industry, none of the current parliamentarians have been issued with liquor licenses, the Finance Ministry said in a statement yesterday. 

According to the ministry, there are currently 4, 910 licensed liquor shops and 1,100 out of them are retailers, 1567 hoteliers and 554 restaurateurs.

The Excise Department has issued licenses for 368 wine and beer outlets as well as for 200 toddy taverns.  In addition, the department has also issued licenses for 1,080 foreign liquor sales outlets.

The Finance Ministry said if any person wants to obtain a liquor license, he or she could obtain such a license by following the terms and conditions imposed by the Excise Department.

To be eligible to apply for a liquor license, the relevant applicant should not have been found guilty of any offense during the last five years, and he or she should be a tax payer as well. 

In addition, according to the category of liquor shop, the liquor outlet should be established in a place which is outside the specified distance to places of religious worship and schools.

After taking into consideration the required terms and conditions under the Excise Ordinance and the provisions of the Excise Notices are completed by the applicants, the Excise Department will get the relevant details provided by the applicant verified by the police and the Divisional Secretary in-charge of his or her residential area.
The subject minister and the Excise Commissioner General have full authority to issue liquor licenses to any qualified applicant.

The list of liquor permits holders is published on the Excise Department website.