Frequently asked questions about liquor licenses in Cameroon (sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
1. Who must obtain an alcohol license in Cameroon?
Any person or business intending to sell alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages in Cameroon must obtain an alcohol license.
This applies to both on-premises (consumed at the point of sale) and off-premises (takeaway) establishments.
2. What are the different categories of alcohol licenses available in Cameroon?
Alcohol licenses in Cameroon are classified according to the type of drinks sold:
· Class 1: Authorizes the sale of non-alcoholic beverages.
· Class 2: Allows the sale of alcoholic beverages.
3. How are liquor license fees determined?
Liquor license fees are calculated based on either the business license tax or the overall tax applicable to the establishment:
· Class 1 (Non-alcoholic drinks): The fee is double the amount of the business license tax or the equivalent of the overall tax amount.
· Class 2 (Alcoholic drinks): The fee is four times the business license tax amount or two times the overall tax amount.
These multipliers are applied to the base business license tax or overall tax to determine the total liquor license fee.
4. What is the minimum fee for a liquor license?
Since liquor license fees are based on business license tax or aggregate tax turnover, the minimum amount payable is 20,000 FCFA per year.
5. What is the legal age to buy alcoholic drinks in Cameroon?
The legal age for purchasing alcoholic beverages in Cameroon is 21 years old.
6. Are there restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors?
Yes. It is strictly prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age.
In addition:
· Licensed alcohol vendors are not allowed to admit minors under 16 years old in their establishments unless accompanied by an adult.
· They are also prohibited from selling or offering alcoholic beverages to minors under 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult.
7. Can a business sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks under the same license?
No. A business must obtain separate liquor licenses for each beverage category from the respective authorities:
· Alcoholic drinks: License issued by the Senior Divisional Officer.
· Non-alcoholic drinks: License issued by the Divisional Officer.
8. What are the penalties for selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages without a proper license?
Selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages without the required alcohol license is a violation of Cameroonian law and can result in heavy penalties, including fines and possible closure of the establishment.
9. Are there additional taxes on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in Cameroon?
Yes. The importation and sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may be subject to additional duties, such as excise duties.
10. How to apply for an alcohol license in Cameroon?
To apply for a liquor license, a person or entity must submit a formal, stamped application to the appropriate authorities. The request must include:
· Full name and first name
· Place of birth
· Occupation
· Residential address
· Company location
· Category and class of drinks intended for sale
· Medical certificate
· Extract from criminal record
· Proof of payment of liquor license fees
11. Is the liquor license separate from the commercial operation license?
Yes. The liquor license is separate from the commercial operating license. Any company involved in the sale of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages must, depending on the case, obtain both:
· A commercial license to operate legally.
· The appropriate alcohol license for the sale of drinks.
Each license has its own application process, regulatory requirements, and fee structure.
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