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Liquor Licence Application

Overview

A company or an individual must obtain a liquor licence in order to legally sell alcoholic beverages to the public. A separate liquor licence must be applied for each location where alcoholic beverages are sold, even if they are sold by the same company or individual. The proposed business premises should be at least 500 meters away from a school, church, highway, or major road.

Who is eligible?

Citizens and non-citizens who are above the age of 18 years and businesses qualify for the following licenses:

  • Distributor liquor licence
  • Club liquor licence
  • Temporary licence
  • Wholesale liquor licence

Citizens who are above the age of 18 years and registered businesses owned by citizens of Botswana qualify for the following licences : 

  • Bar liquor licence;
  • Bottle store liquor licence;
  • Liquor depot licence;
  • Nightclub/ Discotheque liquor licence
  • Temporary liquor
How do I get this service?
  • Download, complete and submit the appropriate application forms:
  1. Application for Liquor licence – Initial application of liquor licence.
  2. Notice of application for a Liquor licence – Completed by all applicants to publish their intention for application for liquor licence in any newspaper or the government gazette. The publication is at the applicant’s own cost.
  3. Application for the Renewal of licence – This is for the renewal of the license, which is required annually.
  4. Application for Transfer of a licence – To transfer the liquor licence to another individual or company, or to notify of the change in operating location.
  5. Application for a Duplicate licence – To apply for a new licence after the original has been lost or destroyed subject to the submission of a valid police report.
  • Submit relevant documents and fees shown below to the Town/District Council commercial offices (see attachment of office contact information).
  • Once these documents have been received, the application will be processed and forwarded to the Liquor Control Authority for consideration.
  • The applicant will be notified of the result of the application via mail, SMS, or phone call.
  • If the liquor licence has been approved, the applicant can pick up the licence from the District Council commercial office upon payment of applicable licence fees.
  • On or before the anniversary date of the licence grant, the applicant has to submit Form 4 Application for the Renewal of Licence and pay the renewal fees shown below to the District Council
What supporting documents are required?

First time applications:

  • If the applicant is a business, a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation.
  • If the applicant is an individual or a partnership, submit a certified registration certificate.
  • The latest copy of the annual returns form obtained from the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property.
  • Proof of availability of the business premises (either a title deed, or a written lease agreement).
  • Proof of advertisement in Botswana Government Gazette any newspaper in the form of a stamped receipt.  The Liquor Control Authority shall not consider an application for a licence where the notice to apply for a liquor licence has not been published for at least 21 days. 
  • Certified copy of National Identity card (Omang) for owners, shareholders or directors who are citizens.
  • Certified copy of passport, work and residence permit for owners, shareholders or directors who are non-citizens.
  • The original or certified copy of physical planner’s report validating zoning for the plot upon which the activities will occur. Physical planners are employed by the District Council and should be booked by the applicants to validate zoning.
  • The original or a certified copy of the environmental health report for the business premises in question. The report must be completed by health inspectors employed by the District Council and the applicant must book the health inspector for inspection.

Renewal or transfer of licence:

  • Certified copy of valid National Identity Card (Omang) for owners, shareholders or directors who are citizens.
  • Certified copy of passport, work and residence permit for owners, shareholders or directors who are non-citizens.
  • The original or certified copy of physical planner’s report validating zoning for the plot upon which the activities will occur. Physical planners are employed by the District Council and should be booked by the applicants to validate zoning.
  • The original or a certified copy of the environmental health report for the business premises in question. The report must be completed by health inspectors employed by the District Council and the applicant must book the health inspector for inspection.
  • The latest copy of the annual returns form obtained from the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property.

Duplicate licence:

  • Police report indicating the licence has been stolen or destroyed.
How long will this service take?

Thirty (30) working days.

How much does it cost?

Fees for initial application:

  • Non-refundable application fee of BWP 100.00 for other liquor licences.
  • Non-refundable application fee of BWP 50.00 for the liquor depot licence.
  • Once the application for licence has been approved the application is required to pay as per list below depending on their application:

Type of Licence

Licence Fee (BWP)

Bar Liquor      

2000.00

Bottle Store Licence

1000.00

Liquor Depot

300.00

Discotheque/Night Club

4000.00

Distributor Liquor

6200.00

Club Liquor

2000.00

Temporary Liquor      

20.00 per day

Wholesale Liquor

4500.00

Fees for renewal or duplicate licence application:

  • Non-refundable application fee of BWP 100.00 for other liquor licences.
  • Non-refundable application fee of BWP 50.00 for the liquor depot licence
  • Once the application for a duplicate or transfer is approved the applicant is required to pay a licence fee of BWP100.00.
Where can I obtain this service?

Town Clerk

Gaborone City Council

Private Bag 0089

Gaborone     

Tel: (267)3657400/365744/3657413

Fax: (267) 3900141                                                  

 

Town Clerk

City of Francistown Council

Private Bag 0040

Francistown

Tel: (267) 2411050 Ext. 965

Fax: (267) 2412427

 

Council Secretary

Kweneng District Council

Private Bag 005

Molepolole

Tel: (267) 5920200/201

Fax: (267) 5920287/5920207/5920858

 

Town Clerk - Commercial Office

Selibe Phikwe Town Council

Private Bag 001

Selibe Phikwe                   

Tel: (267) 2610570

Fax: (267) 2614854

 

Town Clerk - Commercial Office

Jwaneng Town Council

Private Bag 001

Jwaneng

Tel: (267) 5880303

Fax: (267) 5882609

 

Council Secretary

North East District Council

Private Bag 004

Masunga

Tel: (267) 2489242

Fax: (267) 2489290/263

 

Town Clerk

Sowa Town Council

Private Bag SOW 1

Sowa

Tel: (267) 6213440

Fax: (267) 6213425

 

Council Secretary

Central District Council      

Private Bag 001                

Serowe                                     

Tel: (267) 4630411  

Fax: (267) 4635469 

 

Council Secretary     

Northwest District Council

 Private Bag 001    

 Maun                                                                   

Tel: (267) 6860241

Fax: (267) 6860029

 

Council Secretary

Southern District Council

Private Bag 002

Kanye

Tel: (267) 5440217

Fax: (267) 5440103/02/5403307

 

Council Secretary

Kgatleng District Council

Private Bag 11                  

Mochudi                          

Tel: (267) 5777963  

Fax: (267) 5777216 

 

Council Secretary

Chobe District Council

Private Bag K30

Kasane                  

Tel: (267) 6250275/6

Fax: (267) 6250368

 

Council Secretary

Kgalagadi District Council

Private Bag 005

Tsabong

Tel: (267) 6540061/254/6540381

Fax: (267) 6540259

 

Council Secretary

Ghanzi District Council

Private Bag 15

Ghanzi         

Tel: (267) 6592057/6596216/6596688

Fax: (267) 6596420 

 

Council Secretary

South East District Council

Private Bag 002

Ramotswa

Tel: (267) 5390251/061/

Fax: (267) 5390201/5380603

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Palapye Administrative Authority

Private Bag 72        

Palapye                  

Tel: (267) 4921092  

Fax: (267) 4921541

         

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Mahalapye Sub-District Council

Private Bag 002

Mahalapye

Tel: (267) 4713323

Fax: (267) 4713205

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary               

Tonota Sub-District Council          

Private Bag T12      

Tonota         

Tel: (267) 2484220

Fax: (267) 2485861

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary – Commercial Office   

Tlokweng Sub-District Council

Private Bag T05

Tlokweng

Tel: (267) 3925242

Fax: (267) 3928809

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary           

Tutume Sub-District Council

Private Bag 006      

Tutume                 

Tel: (267) 298721/2987391

Fax: (267) 2987626/2987533                  

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Boteti Sub-District Council

Private Bag 005

Letlhakane

Tel: (267) 2978278

Fax: (267) 2978234

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Bobirwa Sub-District Council        

Private Bag 0013              

Bobonong                        

Tel: (267) 2619274/2629037        

Fax: (267) 2619296 

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Okavango Sub-District Council

Private Bag 006

Gumare

Tel: (267) 6874040

Fax: (267) 6874199

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Mogoditshane/Thamaga Sub-District  Council

Private Bag 006

Mogoditshane

Tel: (267) 3105615/3910291         

Fax: (267) 3105617 

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary 

Moshupa Sub-District Council

Private Bag 004

Moshupa

Tel: (267) 5449270

Fax: (267) 5449296

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Mabutsane Sub District Council

Private Bag 04        

Mabutsane    

Tel: (267) 5889219  

Fax: (267) 5889211

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Good hope Sub-District Council

Private Bag 005

Good hope

Tel: (267) 5404183/5486232

Fax: (267) 5404157/5486241

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Letlhakeng Sub-District Council

Private Bag 003

Letlhakeng             

Tel: (267) 5943013/5943164

Fax: (267) 5943171

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary                    

Charles Hill Sub-District Council

Private Bag 002

Charles Hill

Tel: (267) 6592057

Fax: (267) 6592246

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary                         

Molepolole/Lentsweletau Administrative Authority

Private Bag 005

Molepolole              

Tel: (267) 5922114/ 5910623

Fax: (267) 5920287

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary 

Hukuntsi Sub-District Council

Private Bag 12

Hukuntsi

Tel: (267) 6510249            

Fax: (267) 6510244           

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Maun Administrative Authority

Private Bag 005                

Maun

Tel: (267) 6861729  

Fax: (267) 6863214

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Kanye Administrative Authority

Private Bag 11

Kanye

Tel: (267) 5403319  

Fax: (267) 5440625/5440103

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Serowe Administrative Authority

Private Bag 0023

Serowe

Tel: (267) 4600223  

Fax: (267) 4631136

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Tsabong Sub-District Council

Private Bag 005

Tsabong

Tel: (267) 6540061  

Fax: (267) 6540259

Where can I get more information on this Service

Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Annex Building

Plot 54380, Central Business District (CBD), Gaborone

Private Bag 00252

Gaborone

Tel: (267) 3911233

Fax: (267) 3975239

All the Local Authorities (District Councils) across the country :

Town Clerk

Gaborone City Council

Private Bag 0089

Gaborone          

Tel: (267)3657400/365744/3657413

Fax: (267) 3900141                                                                                          

 

Town Clerk

City of Francistown Council

Private Bag 0040

Francistown

Tel: (267) 2411050 Ext. 965

Fax: (267) 2412427

 

 

Council Secretary

Kweneng District Council

Private Bag 005

Molepolole

Tel: (267) 5920200/201

Fax: (267) 5920287/5920207/5920858

 

Town Clerk 

Selibe Phikwe Town Council

Private Bag 001

Selibe Phikwe                                   

Tel: (267) 2610570

Fax: (267) 2614854

Town Clerk 

Jwaneng Town Council

Private Bag 001

Jwaneng

Tel: (267) 5880303

Fax: (267) 5882609

 

Council Secretary

North East District Council

Private Bag 004

Masunga

Tel: (267) 2489242

Fax: (267) 2489290/263

 

Town Clerk

Sowa Town Council

Private Bag SOW 1

Sowa

Tel: (267) 6213440

Fax: (267) 6213425

 

Council Secretary

Central District Council 

Private Bag 001                

Serowe                                               

Tel: (267) 4630411           

Fax: (267) 4635469          

 

 Council Secretary     

 Northwest District Council

 Private Bag 001              

 Maun                                                                                                                  

Tel: (267) 6860241

Fax: (267) 6860029

Council Secretary

Southern District Council

Private Bag 002

Kanye

Tel: (267) 5440217

Fax: (267) 5440103/02/5403307

 

Council Secretary

Kgatleng District Council

Private Bag 11                   

Mochudi                                             

Tel: (267) 5777963           

Fax: (267) 5777216          

Council Secretary

Chobe District Council

Private Bag K30

Kasane                                

Tel: (267) 6250275/6

Fax: (267) 6250368

 

Council Secretary

Kgalagadi District Council

Private Bag 005

Tsabong

Tel: (267) 6540061/254/6540381

Fax: (267) 6540259

 

Council Secretary

Ghanzi District Council

Private Bag 15

Ghanzi                 

Tel: (267) 6592057/6596216/6596688

Fax: (267) 6596420          

 

Council Secretary

South East District Council

Private Bag 002

Ramotswa

Tel: (267) 5390251/061/

Fax: (267) 5390201/5380603

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Palapye Administrative Authority

Private Bag 72   

Palapye               

Tel: (267) 4921092           

Fax: (267) 4921541

               

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Mahalapye Sub-District Council

Private Bag 002

Mahalapye

Tel: (267) 4713323

Fax: (267) 4713205

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary                            

Tonota Sub-District Council                         

Private Bag T12

Tonota                 

Tel: (267) 2484220

Fax: (267) 2485861

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary          

Tlokweng Sub-District Council

Private Bag T05

Tlokweng

Tel: (267) 3925242

Fax: (267) 3928809

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary                           

Tutume Sub-District Council

Private Bag 006

Tutume               

Tel: (267) 298721/2987391

Fax: (267) 2987626/2987533                       

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Boteti Sub-District Council

Private Bag 005

Letlhakane

Tel: (267) 2978278

Fax: (267) 2978234

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Bobirwa Sub-District Council      

Private Bag 0013                              

Bobonong                                          

Tel: (267) 2619274/2629037        

Fax: (267) 2619296          

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Okavango Sub-District Council

Private Bag 006

Gumare

Tel: (267) 6874040

Fax: (267) 6874199

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Mogoditshane/Thamaga Sub-District  Council

Private Bag 006

Mogoditshane 

Tel: (267) 3105615/3910291        

Fax: (267) 3105617          

Senior Assistant Council Secretary 

Moshupa Sub-District Council

Private Bag 004

Moshupa

Tel: (267) 5449270

Fax: (267) 5449296

 

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Mabutsane Sub District Council

Private Bag 04   

Mabutsane        

Tel: (267) 5889219           

Fax: (267) 5889211

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Good hope Sub-District Council

Private Bag 005

Good hope

Tel: (267) 5404183/5486232

Fax: (267) 5404157/5486241

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Letlhakeng Sub-District Council

Private Bag 003

Letlhakeng                         

Tel: (267) 5943013/5943164

Fax: (267) 5943171

Senior Assistant Council Secretary                                           

Charles hill Sub-District Council

Private Bag 002

Charles hill

Tel: (267) 6592057

Fax: (267) 6592246

Senior Assistant Council Secretary                                            

Molepolole/Lentsweletau Administrative Authority

Private Bag 005

Molepolole                        

Tel: (267) 5922114/ 5910623

Fax: (267) 5920287

Senior Assistant Council Secretary 

Hukuntsi Sub-District Council

Private Bag 12

Hukuntsi

Tel: (267) 6510249                           

Fax: (267) 6510244                          

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Maun Administrative Authority

Private Bag 005                

Maun

Tel: (267) 6861729          

Fax: (267) 6863214

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Kanye Administrative Authority

Private Bag 11

Kanye

Tel: (267) 5403319           

Fax: (267) 5440625/5440103

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Serowe Administrative Authority

Private Bag 0023

Serowe

Tel: (267) 4600223           

Fax: (267) 4631136

 

Senior Assistant Council Secretary

Tsabong Sub-District Council

Private Bag 005

Tsabong

Tel: (267) 6540061           

 Fax: (267) 6540259   

               

 

 

 

               

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