Under the Customs Act and the Customs (Liqours Licensing) Regulations, no intoxicating liquor shall be sold by retail except under a licence issued under the Act. Such liquor can only be sold at the place stated and in compliance with the terms of the licence.

The licence is issued by the Liquors Licensing Board and is for the following categories:-

1. Public house, first class The sale of all types of liquor for consumption on the premises (Fees: $1,200 per year)
2. Public house, first class (extended) The sale of all types of liquor for consumption on the premises (Fees: $2,400 per year)
3. Public house, first class (extended) (tourist hotel) The sale of all types of liquor for consumption on the premises (Fees: $3,600 per year)
4. Public house, second class The sale of all types of liquor for consumption on the premises (Fees: $480 per year)
5. Beer house, first class The sale of only beer and stout for consumption on the premises (Fees: $720 per year)
6. Beer house, second class The sale of only beer and stout for consumption on the premises (Fees: $360 per year)
7. Beer house, (outdoor beer stall) Applicable only to holders of a hawker licence and is for the sale of only beer and stout for consumption on the premises (Fees: $240 per year)
8. Wholesale liquor shop The sale of all types of liquor for consumption off the premises (Fees: $480 per year)
9. Wholesale beer shop The sale of only beer and stout for consumption off the premises (Fees: $360 per year)
10. Retail liquor shop The sale of all types of liquor for consumption off the premises (Fees: $360 per year)
11. Retail beer shop The sale of only beer and stout for consumption off the premises (Fees: $180 per year)

The Board sits every 3 months to consider applications for liquor licences. Applications for a liquor licence may be submitted on-line. Alternatively, you can call on the police Liquors Licensing Unit at 391 New Bridge Road, #02-701, Police Cantonment Complex, S(088762) to e-file your application.

Applications are published on-line and you must post a copy at the principal entrance of the premises where the business is proposed to be carried out. This is so that members of the public who are affected can lodge objections. Clearance from the Singapore Police. the National Environmental Agency and a few other government authorities are also required.

A licenceholder of a Public House (First Class) Licence is required to register with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore for payment of cess collected from the sale of food and drinks in the licensed premises.

Once a liquor licence is issued, the licenceholder must comply with the terms of the licence, the Customs Act, the Customs (Liqours Licensing) Regulations and other relevant rules, including:-

1. display the licence and notices required under the licence at the premises
2. complying with the closing times stated in the licence and ensure that no person (other than employees) remain on the premises
3. ensuring that no persons below the age of 18 purchases intoxicating liquor from the premises or consumes liquor on the premises
4. the premises and toilet facilities are kept clean and in good repair
5. not permit any drunkenness, disorderly conduct and gambling on the premises
6. not employ any waitress below the age of 17 years or of bad character