In Vietnam, liquor licences are mandatory for businesses involved in the production, distribution, retail, or import/export of alcoholic beverages. The licensing process is regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and other relevant authorities depending on the type and scale of the business. Vietnam has specific regulations for different types of alcoholic products, such as beer, wine, and spirits. Obtaining a liquor licence is essential for legal compliance and ensures that businesses adhere to safety, taxation, and distribution laws.
Specifically, the regulation of alcohol in Vietnam is governed by the Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Alcoholic Beverages (effective from 2020) and various guiding decrees, including Decree 105/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP), which outline specific conditions for trading and producing alcoholic beverages.
Types of Liquor Licences in Vietnam
- Liquor Production Licence
- Who Needs It: Any business or company that manufactures alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, or spirits.
- Issuing Authority: Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).
- Requirements:
- Detailed business registration documents.
- Proof of compliance with food safety, hygiene, and environmental standards.
- Documentation of production facilities and equipment.
- A clear production process ensuring adherence to alcohol content regulations.
- Compliance with quality control and safety checks.
- Wholesale Liquor License
- Who Needs It: Businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages.
- Issuing Authority: Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).
- Requirements:
- Registered business address and appropriate facilities for storage and distribution.
- Proof of compliance with tax regulations and food safety standards.
- Agreement with licensed manufacturers or importers for the distribution of alcohol.
- Record-keeping systems for tracking inventory, distribution, and sales.
- Retail Liquor License
- Who Needs It: Businesses selling alcoholic beverages directly to consumers, such as bars, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets.
- Issuing Authority: Provincial-level Departments of Industry and Trade.
- Requirements:
- Valid business registration certificate.
- Business must have a fixed retail location that meets safety, hygiene, and food safety standards.
- Agreement with licensed wholesalers or manufacturers for purchasing alcohol.
- Compliance with local zoning and alcohol sale time regulations.
- Proof of payment for special consumption taxes (excise taxes) applicable to alcohol.
- Liquor Import License
- Who Needs It: Companies involved in importing alcoholic beverages into Vietnam for domestic distribution.
- Issuing Authority: Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).
- Requirements:
- Importers must have a registered business and a wholesale liquor distribution licence.
- Documentation of agreements with foreign suppliers.
- Compliance with Vietnam’s import regulations and taxes.
- Imported alcohol must comply with Vietnamese food safety standards and labelling regulations.
- Detailed records of imported volumes and product testing to ensure quality control.
- On-site Consumption Licence
- Who Needs It: Establishments like restaurants, bars, pubs, and hotels that sell alcohol for immediate consumption on their premises.
- Issuing Authority: Provincial-level Departments of Industry and Trade.
- Requirements:
- Valid business registration certificate for food and beverage services.
- Agreement with licensed suppliers to ensure legally sourced alcohol.
- Facilities must meet food safety and hygiene standards.
- Compliance with local regulations on opening hours and serving practices.
Key Requirements for Obtaining Liquor Licences in Vietnam
- Business Registration: All businesses must have the appropriate business registration certificate based on their business type (e.g., production, distribution, or retail).
- Compliance with Alcohol Content and Quality Regulations: Businesses must ensure that the alcohol content and quality of their products adhere to Vietnamese standards. Regular inspections and product testing may be required.
- Tax Compliance: Alcoholic beverages are subject to special consumption taxes (excise taxes), and businesses must comply with the tax regulations applicable to alcohol production, distribution, or sale.
- Food Safety and Hygiene: All alcohol-related businesses, whether production or retail, must comply with Vietnam’s strict food safety and hygiene standards. This includes ensuring clean storage and serving environments.
- Environmental Compliance: For manufacturers, it is essential to demonstrate compliance with environmental laws, including waste management and emissions control.
Liquor Licence Validity and Renewal
Liquor licences in Vietnam are typically valid for a specific period, usually 5 years, and need to be renewed before expiration. Businesses must ensure continuous compliance with the regulations and maintain good records of their operations, sales, and suppliers to facilitate the renewal process. Renewal requires submitting updated documents and proving ongoing adherence to legal and safety standards.
Alcohol Sales Restrictions
Vietnam has specific restrictions on the sale of alcohol, which include:
- Age Restrictions: The legal drinking age is 18, and businesses are prohibited from selling alcohol to minors.
- Location Restrictions: Alcohol cannot be sold near schools, hospitals, and certain government buildings.
- Time Restrictions: Some local governments may impose restrictions on the hours during which alcohol can be sold, particularly for on-site consumption establishments.
- Advertising Restrictions: Advertising for alcoholic beverages is regulated, particularly for beverages with high alcohol content (above 15 percent).
Note: While Vietnam does not currently issue a specific liquor licence for online sales, businesses must still hold the appropriate wholesale or retail licence and comply with advertising, packaging, and delivery age verification requirements. Online sales of alcohol are still in a legal grey area, and enforcement varies by province.
FAQ
Who issues liquor licenses in Vietnam?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) primarily issues liquor licenses in Vietnam, along with other relevant authorities depending on the specific type and scale of the business.
Are there different types of liquor licenses available in Vietnam?
There are several types of liquor licenses in Vietnam, including: Liquor Production Licence, Wholesale Liquor License, Retail Liquor License, Liquor Import License, and On-site Consumption Licence.
How do you get a liquor license in Vietnam?
Key requirements include business registration, compliance with alcohol content and quality regulations, tax compliance (special consumption taxes), adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, and environmental compliance for manufacturers.
How long are liquor licenses valid in Vietnam?
Liquor licenses in Vietnam are typically valid for a period of 5 years and must be renewed before they expire.
What are the restrictions on alcohol sales in Vietnam?
Yes, there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol in Vietnam, including age restrictions (legal drinking age is 18), location restrictions (near schools, hospitals, etc.), potential time restrictions set by local governments, and regulations on advertising. The legal status of online alcohol sales is currently somewhat unclear.
What’s next?
Obtaining and maintaining a liquor licence in Vietnam is crucial for legal compliance in the alcohol industry. The process is regulated by several authorities, and businesses must meet a variety of conditions, from food safety and hygiene to tax and environmental compliance. Ensuring that all licences are up-to-date and renewing them as required is essential for any business involved in the production, distribution, or sale of alcohol in Vietnam. By adhering to these regulations, businesses can operate legally and successfully in Vietnam’s growing alcohol market.
Vietnam’s regulatory environment, however, is dynamic and can change quickly. With this in mind, to keep abreast of changes to said regulations, foreign firms operating in Vietnam should make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.
First published September 11, 2024. Last reviewed March 27, 2025.