The business of manufacturing and selling alcoholic/liquor brands in Nigeria is no doubt profitable but subject to struct licensing regulations which will form the focus of this article, particularly with respect to:-
– The regulatory framework governing liquor business licenses.
– The procedure for procuring a liquor business license
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– The validity of a liquor business license
Which regulatory agency is in charge of liquor business licensing in Nigeria?
The licensing of liquor production and selling is subject to the Liquor Act, the liquor licensing laws and subsidiary liquor licensing regulations of various states in Nigeria and with respect to liquor selling, through the local government of where the liquor business is to be physically located.
What is the validity of an alcoholic beverages business license in Nigeria?
Alcohol/liquor business licenses are valid for a period of 5 years.
What are the documentary requirements for procuring a liquor license in Nigeria?
– A covering letter detailing the operational mode of the applicant
– A completed application form
– A Certificate of Incorporation and certified true copies of shareholder and director information of the applicant
– Proof of advertisement on in a government gazette
– Certified copies of valid means of identification for shareholders of the applicant company
– Copies of work and residence permits for foreign staff of the applicant company
– A detailed listing of alcoholic beverages to be served by the business
– Copies of valid environmental health reports upon inspection of the applicant’s business premises
What is the procedure for procuring an alcohol/liquor sales license in Nigeria?
– An application form for the license must be obtained from the relevant department of the Local Government having jurisdiction over the location of the alcohol business.
– This application form is to be filled and submitted along with the proof of payment of the prescribed application fee.
– A processing of the application will commence taking into consideration the following :-
- The suitability or the premises where the liquor business is to be located.
- The applicant’s character.
- An estimation of the number of people to be served by the business.
- Whether the license is required for public convenience
What are the regulatory requirements for foreign manufacturers of alcoholic beverage brands wishing to operate in Nigeria?
– Foreign businesses engaged in the manufactur of alcoholic beverages must be represented by a duly registered Nigerian company or person capable of recalling products.
– There must be presented as well, a certificate of manufacture and sale issued by a competent health authority, verified by the Nigerian embassy in the country of origin.
– A certificate if trademark registration of the alcoholic brand to be sold by the importer/Nigerian representative of the foreign manufacturer.
– An importation permit
– A certificate of product analysis issued by the Manufacturer
– The Nigerian representative/importer representative of the foreign manufacturer must have and present from the manufacturer, a power of attorney establishing him as such.
What is the procedure for obtaining produce certification for alcoholic liquor brands?
This involves applying for certification of each liquor product via a registration code to the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Please consult your lawyer on the applicable procedure involved.