What is the Alcohol Beverage Seller License?
The Alcohol Beverage Seller License (酒類販売業免許 / Shurui Hanbai-gyō Menkyo) is required by Japanese law for any business that sells alcoholic beverages. This license is issued by the National Tax Agency (NTA) through local tax offices and is mandatory for both retail and wholesale alcohol sales.
Without this license, selling alcohol in Japan is illegal and can result in significant penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Types of Alcohol Seller Licenses
General Retail License (一般酒類小売業免許)
For selling alcohol directly to consumers at a physical retail location such as:
- Liquor stores and convenience stores
- Supermarkets and department stores
- Specialty wine or sake shops
Mail-Order Retail License (通信販売酒類小売業免許)
For selling alcohol to consumers via:
- E-commerce websites and online shops
- Catalog sales and mail order
- Telephone orders
Note: This license has restrictions on which types of alcohol can be sold. Generally limited to domestic craft products or imported alcoholic beverages.
Wholesale License (酒類卸売業免許)
For selling alcohol to other businesses (B2B), including:
- Selling to restaurants and bars
- Distributing to retail stores
- Import and wholesale distribution
License Requirements
To obtain an alcohol seller license, applicants must meet several criteria:
Location Requirements
- Appropriate business premises for alcohol storage
- Proper separation from residential areas (in some cases)
- Distance requirements from schools and hospitals may apply
Applicant Requirements
- No disqualifying criminal history
- No bankruptcy within the past 3 years
- Sufficient business management capability
- Financial stability to operate the business
Business Requirements
- Proper bookkeeping and accounting systems
- Knowledge of alcohol tax regulations
- Compliance with age verification requirements
Application Process
- Step 1: Initial consultation to determine license type needed
- Step 2: Gather required documents and verify eligibility
- Step 3: Prepare and submit application to local tax office
- Step 4: Tax office review and possible site inspection
- Step 5: License issuance (typically 2-3 months)
Required Documents
- Application form (prescribed format)
- Company registration certificate (for corporations)
- Floor plan of business premises
- Lease agreement or property ownership proof
- Financial statements or tax returns
- Business plan and sales projections
- Resume of the person responsible for alcohol sales
Our Alcohol License Services
- License type assessment and consultation
- Eligibility verification
- Application document preparation
- Tax office submission and follow-up
- Site inspection preparation
- License renewal assistance
Processing Time and Fees
The application review typically takes 2-3 months. Government fees are approximately ¥30,000 for registration tax. See our fees page for our service charges.