How to Get Liquor Shop License FL-1 and FL-2 in Gujarat
If you are planning to enter the liquor trade business in Gujarat through a hotel, resort, heritage property, or other tourism project, you need to obtain the proper license under the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953 and the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949. In Gujarat, two main types of foreign liquor licenses are issued:
FL-1 License – For the import and wholesale trade of foreign liquor.
FL-2 License – For the retail sale of foreign liquor.
This blog explains step by step how to apply for these licenses, the documents required, the approval process, fees, and the latest terms and conditions applicable in Gujarat.
Eligibility for FL-1 & FL-2 License in Gujarat
The Government of Gujarat gives preference to certain categories while considering applications for FL-1 and FL-2 licenses:
Hotels with three-star or higher classification, heritage hotels, resorts, and projects under beach or mega tourism initiatives.
Units that can promote tourism and industrial development.
Applications will not be considered if the proposed premises is within 200 meters of schools, colleges, religious places, slum areas, hospitals, labor colonies, or Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe residential clusters.
Licenses are not generally approved for outlets located on highways.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents along with the application at the District Collector’s office:
Prescribed application form with court fee stamp of ₹3/-.
Copy of Articles of Association (for companies) or Partnership Deed (for partnerships).
Proof of hotel license or star classification certificate.
Ammonia print plan of the hotel premises showing the proposed location for the license.
Statement showing the number of out-of-state and foreign guests who stayed in the hotel during the last three years.
Application Process
How to Get Liquor Shop License (FL-1 & FL-2) in Gujarat
Submission – File the application with required documents and fees at the District Collector’s office.
Site Visit – District Prohibition Authorities will inspect the proposed premises.
Scrutiny – The District Prohibition Committee, chaired by the District Collector, will review the application.
Recommendation – The committee’s opinion is sent to the Director of Prohibition & Excise, Government of Gujarat, Ahmedabad.
Final Approval – The Government issues directions to the District office for granting the license.
Validity of License
The license is valid till the end of the financial year (31st March).
Renewal must be applied for in advance at the concerned District office.
Fees and Deposits
At present, the following government fees and deposits are applicable for both FL-1 and FL-2 licenses:
| License Type | Annual Fee (₹) | Refundable Deposit (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| FL-1 | 50,000 | 2,00,000 |
| FL-2 | 50,000 | 2,00,000 |
The fee is payable under Head 0039 State Excise (sub-head 105 (Kh) Foreign Liquor & Spirits).
Challan forms must be printed on a single page (front & back) in four copies.
Excise Duties and Special Fees
On import, storage, and sale of foreign liquor under the license, excise duties and special fees are charged as per the prevailing rates. Some key rates include:
1. Excise Duty & Handling Fees
Spirits – ₹300 per proof litre + handling fee ₹10 + special fee ₹135
Wine (above 17% proof strength) – ₹300 per proof litre + handling fee ₹5 + special fee ₹45
Wine (below 17% proof strength) – ₹75 per bulk litre + handling fee ₹5 + special fee ₹45
Beer (above 5% alcohol v/v) – ₹60 per bulk litre + handling fee ₹5 + special fee ₹15
Beer (below 5% alcohol v/v) – ₹33 per bulk litre + handling fee ₹5 + special fee ₹15
2. Special Fee on Imported Liquor
Spirits
₹500 per bulk litre (selling price up to ₹1,500)
₹2,000 per bulk litre (selling price ₹1,500 – ₹6,000)
₹8,000 per bulk litre (selling price above ₹6,000)
Wine
₹500 per bulk litre (selling price up to ₹1,500)
₹2,000 per bulk litre (selling price ₹1,500 – ₹6,000)
₹8,000 per bulk litre (selling price above ₹6,000)
Beer
₹33 per bulk litre (below 5% alcohol v/v)
₹42 per bulk litre (above 5% alcohol v/v)
Additionally, quarterly supervision charges fixed by the Excise Department must be paid in advance.
Important Terms & Conditions
Import, sale, or possession of foreign liquor without a valid license is strictly prohibited under the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949.
Offenders can face six months imprisonment and a fine of ₹500 for the first offence, along with payment of excise duty on the seized liquor.
Repeated offences attract progressively higher punishments.
All transactions under the license are subject to strict supervision of the Excise Department staff.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an FL-1 or FL-2 license in Gujarat is a detailed process that requires compliance with strict eligibility criteria, proper documentation, and approval from multiple authorities. However, for star-rated hotels, resorts, and tourism projects, this license creates opportunities to serve and trade foreign liquor legally, adding value to the hospitality and tourism sector in the state.
For updated details and assistance, you should always contact your District Collector’s office or the Directorate of Prohibition & Excise, Government of Gujarat.
