Alcohol Beverage Seller License in Japan

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Alcohol License

The alcohol license application process in Japan can be unforgiving. Even small errors or oversights can lead to delays, rejections, or legal trouble. Here are five of the most common mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.

1. Confusing Restaurant Liquor Service with Retail Sales Licensing

One of the most frequent misunderstandings is assuming that serving alcohol at a restaurant and selling it at retail are governed by the same rules. Restaurants and bars operate under a food service business permit (飲食店営業許可 / Inshokuten Eigyō Kyoka), which covers on-premises consumption. Selling sealed bottles or cans for off-premises consumption — whether in a shop or online — requires a completely different alcohol seller license (酒類販売業免許). If your business model involves both, make sure you have the right permits for each activity.

2. Not Meeting the Location Requirements

The tax office takes the physical premises seriously. Your business location must have appropriate storage facilities for alcohol, and in some cases must maintain a certain distance from schools, hospitals, and other sensitive facilities. Some applicants sign a lease before confirming that the location qualifies, only to find out later that the premises fail the inspection. Always verify location suitability before committing to a lease or build-out.

3. Applying for the Wrong Type of License

Japan has several distinct categories of alcohol seller license — general retail (一般酒類小売業免許), mail-order retail (通信販売酒類小売業免許), and various wholesale categories (酒類卸売業免許) — each with different scopes and restrictions. Applying for the wrong type means starting the process over from scratch, costing you months of time. For example, a general retail license does not cover online sales, and a mail-order license has product restrictions. A thorough assessment of your business model upfront can prevent this costly mistake.

4. Not Having Proper Bookkeeping Systems in Place

The National Tax Agency (国税庁 / Kokuzei-chō) requires that applicants demonstrate sound bookkeeping and accounting practices. This is not just a formality — the tax office will scrutinize your financial systems as part of the review. Applicants who lack organized records, proper accounting software, or a clear financial plan frequently face delays or rejection. Having your bookkeeping in order before you apply signals to the tax office that your business is well-managed and compliant.

5. Starting Alcohol Sales Before the License Is Issued

It should go without saying, but selling alcohol without a valid license is illegal in Japan and carries serious penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Some business owners assume they can begin sales once the application is submitted, but sales are only permitted after the license has been officially issued. Patience during the 2-3 month review period is essential — there are no shortcuts or provisional permits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan's Alcohol Seller License

Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from clients looking to obtain an alcohol beverage seller license (酒類販売業免許) in Japan.

What is the difference between a retail and wholesale alcohol license?

A retail alcohol license (酒類小売業免許 / Shurui Kouri-gyō Menkyo) allows you to sell alcoholic beverages directly to consumers, whether at a physical store or through online channels. A wholesale license (酒類卸売業免許 / Shurui Oroshi Uri-gyō Menkyo) permits you to sell alcohol to other businesses — restaurants, bars, and retail stores. If your business model involves both direct-to-consumer and business-to-business sales, you will need to obtain both types of licenses. Learn more about available business licenses and permits in Japan.

How long does it take to get an alcohol seller license?

The standard processing time is approximately 2 to 3 months from the date of submission at the local tax office (税務署 / Zeimusho). Processing time can vary depending on the completeness of your application, the specific license type, and the workload of the reviewing office. Incomplete documentation is the single biggest cause of delays, so thorough preparation is essential. See our fees page for details on our application support services.

Can I sell alcohol online in Japan?

Yes, but you will need a mail-order retail license (通信販売酒類小売業免許 / Tsūshin Hanbai Shurui Kouri-gyō Menkyo) rather than a standard general retail license. This specific license type comes with product restrictions — it generally limits you to domestic craft products produced by smaller breweries (annual production under a certain threshold) or imported alcoholic beverages. If you plan to run an e-commerce business selling alcohol, this license distinction is critical to understand from the outset.

Do restaurants need an alcohol seller license?

No. Restaurants, bars, and izakayas that serve alcohol for on-premises consumption operate under a food service business permit (飲食店営業許可 / Inshokuten Eigyō Kyoka), not an alcohol seller license. However, if you want to sell sealed bottles or cans for customers to take away — for example, a restaurant selling branded sake to go — you will need a separate retail license. This is a common point of confusion, so it is worth clarifying your specific situation early. Our business support services can help you determine exactly which permits you need.

What are the location requirements for an alcohol seller license?

Your business premises must be suitable for the storage and sale of alcoholic beverages. The tax office will evaluate whether the location has adequate storage facilities, proper separation from residential areas where applicable, and compliance with any distance requirements from schools, hospitals, or other protected areas. A site inspection is typically part of the review process. We strongly recommend confirming your location's eligibility before signing a lease or making significant investments in the space.

Can a foreign-owned company get an alcohol license?

Yes. Foreign-owned companies that are properly incorporated in Japan are eligible to apply for an alcohol seller license. The company must hold a valid Japanese corporate registration, and the responsible person should have appropriate residency status — typically a Business Manager visa or permanent residence. The same eligibility criteria regarding financial stability, bookkeeping systems, and suitable business premises apply to all applicants regardless of nationality or country of origin.

How much does an alcohol seller license cost?

The government registration tax (登録免許税 / Tōroku Menkyo Zei) for an alcohol seller license is approximately 30,000 yen. Beyond this official fee, you should budget for professional service fees for application preparation and submission, as well as costs for obtaining required documents such as company registration certificates and property floor plans. The total cost varies depending on the license type and complexity of your situation. Visit our fees page or contact us for a personalized quote.

Do I need a separate license for importing alcohol?

It depends on how you intend to sell the imported products. If you are importing alcohol to distribute wholesale to other businesses, you will need an import wholesale license (輸入酒類卸売業免許 / Yunyū Shurui Oroshi Uri-gyō Menkyo). If you want to import and sell directly to consumers through an online shop, a mail-order retail license is the appropriate route. In either case, importing alcohol also involves customs procedures and compliance with Japan's food labeling regulations, which are separate from the license application itself.

Related Services

Obtaining an alcohol seller license is often one step in a larger business setup process in Japan. Oak Admin provides comprehensive support across a range of related services.

• Business Licenses and Permits — Overview of the various permits and licenses required to operate a business in Japan, including food service, construction, and travel industry permits.
• Company Incorporation in Tokyo — Full support for setting up a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK), including articles of incorporation, registration, and post-incorporation filings.
• Business Manager Visa — Visa application assistance for foreign entrepreneurs and business owners who need residency status to manage a company in Japan.
• Business Support in Tokyo — A complete range of administrative and legal support services for businesses operating in Tokyo, from ongoing compliance to government liaison.
• Service Fees — Transparent pricing information for all Oak Admin services, including alcohol license applications, company incorporation, and visa support.