Liquor Licences

Q. What are the various types of liquor licences?

A.Spirit Grocer’s Licence – shall authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor in a grocery or supermarket for consumption off the licensed premises only, and in any quantity, but only in bottle.

Spirit Retailer’s Licence – shall authorize the sale of liquor (beer, wine, and hard liquor) in any quantity for consumption either on or off the licensed premises. The applicant must have proper washroom facilities for customers, clearly marked fire exit points and provide accommodation (seating) for customers. No food is to be sold save and except cutters (finger food).

Wine Retailer’s Licence – shall authorize the sale of liquor (beer and wine only) in any quantity for consumption either on or off the licensed premises. They must have proper washroom facilities for customers.

Wine Merchants Licence – shall authorize the sale of wine or beer only, for consumption off the licensed premise only, and in quantity not less than 0.75 of a gallon of wine, or 1.5 gallons of beer at one time.

Restaurant Licence – shall authorize the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor to persons taking a meal in the restaurant for consumption at such meals.

Special Restaurant Licence – shall authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor to the public for consumption without taking a meal.

Hotel Spirit Licence – shall authorize the keeper of an hotel to supply spirits, wine and beer to persons lodging at the hotel or taking a meal.

Special Hotel Licence – shall authorize the retailing of intoxicating liquors (beer, wine, and hard liquor) to the public for consumption on the licensed premises, without distinction of the persons to whom or the part of the premises in which liquors shall be supplied.

Spirit Dealer’s Licence – shall authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor (wine, beer and hard liquor), for consumption off the licensed premise only. A spirit dealer’s licence shall be granted in respect of premises situated in Port of Spain, San Fernando and Scarborough only.

Occasional Licence – a licenced retailer of spirits or wine and beer may apply to a licensing committee at any time for an occasional licence, on the occasion of any public entertainment, festivity or meeting and the licensing committee may at its discretion grant such occasional licence for the hours, on the days and to the extent that may be considered necessary for the public convenience.

Q. What is the duration and date of a licence?

A. The duration and date of a licence shall be dated on the day on which it is granted and shall in no case continue in force beyond the ensuing 31st March. Therefore all Licence expires on the 31st March of the following year.

Q: What are the procedures/requirements for obtaining a certificate for a new liquor licence?

A: Applicants must submit to the Clerk of the Peace who is the Secretary of the Licensing Committee for the Magisterial District, the following documents:
(1) Five (5) copies of the applications on the prescribed forms;
(2) Three (3) copies of the floor plan of the premises to be licensed;
(3) A fee of forty dollars ($40.00) for regular session and one hundred and ninety dollars ($190.00) for a special session;
(4) Board of Inland Revenue File number; and
(5) Permission from Town and Country Planning Division, for the sale of liquor on premises.
Application forms are obtained from the Secretary of the Licensing Committee at the Magistrate’s Court.

Q. What is a regular session?

A. A regular session is the granting of certificates for the issue or renewal of licences held in the months of March, June, September and December of any year.

Q. What is a special session?

A. When the licencee has missed the regular session, the Minister (Attorney General) in the exercise of his discretion can direct any licensing committee to appoint and hold a special session at any other date provided.

Q. What is a Special Events licence?

A. This licence usually coincides with some special occasion for example Carnival, Heritage Festival, etc. This licence shall authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor in such quantity and such manner and during such hours and on such days as the Minister may in each case determine.

Q. Are there any other licences which can be obtained at the Magistrate’s Court?

A. There are several other licences which can be obtained at the Magistrate’s Court:
i. Money Lenders
ii. Pawnbrokers
iii. Precious Metal and Stone
iv. Members Club
v. Cinema and Exhibitors
vi. Hucksters and Peddlars
vii. Explosives
viii. Old Scrap Metal and Marine
ix. Dance hall
x. Gambling and Betting