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1. Who is required to obtain a liquor license in Cameroon?
Any individual or business intending to sell alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages in Cameroon must obtain a liquor license.
This applies to both on-premise (consumed at the place of sale) and off-premise (takeaway) establishments.
2. What are the different categories of liquor licenses available in Cameroon?
Liquor licenses in Cameroon are classified based on the type of beverages sold:
· Class 1: Authorises the sale of non-alcoholic beverages.
· Class 2: Permits the sale of alcoholic beverages.
3. How is the liquor license fee determined?
The liquor license fee is calculated based on either the Business License Tax or the Comprehensive Tax applicable to the establishment:
· Class 1 (Non-alcoholic beverages): The fee is twice the Business License Tax amount or equivalent to the Comprehensive Tax amount.
· Class 2 (Alcoholic beverages): The fee is four times the Business License Tax amount or twice the Comprehensive Tax amount.
These multipliers are applied to the base Business License Tax or Comprehensive Tax to determine the total liquor license fee.
4. What is the minimum liquor license fee?
Since the liquor license fee is based on the Business License Tax or the Comprehensive Tax turnover, the minimum amount payable is 20,000 FCFA per year.
5. What is the legal age for purchasing alcoholic beverages in Cameroon?
The legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages in Cameroon is 21 years.
6. Are there restrictions on selling alcoholic beverages to minors?
Yes. It is strictly prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21.
Additionally:
· Licensed liquor sellers are not allowed to admit minors under 16 years of age into their establishments unless accompanied by an adult.
· They are also prohibited from selling or offering alcoholic beverages to minors under 18 years of age unless accompanied by an adult.
7. Can a business sell both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under the same license?
No. A business must obtain separate liquor licenses for each category of beverages from the respective authorities:
· Alcoholic beverages: License issued by the Senior Divisional Officer.
· Non-alcoholic beverages: License issued by the Divisional Officer.
8. What are the penalties for selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages without a proper license?
Selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages without the required liquor license is a violation of Cameroonian law and may result in severe penalties, including fines and potential closure of the establishment.
9. Are there additional taxes on alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Cameroon?
Yes. The importation and sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may be subject to additional duties, such as excise duties.
10. How can one apply for a liquor license in Cameroon?
To apply for a liquor license, an individual or entity must submit a formal stamped application to the relevant authorities. The application must include:
· Full name and surname
· Place of birth
· Profession
· Residential address
· Business location
· Category and class of beverages intended for sale
· Medical certificate
· Extract of the criminal record
· Proof of payment of the liquor license fee
11. Is the liquor license separate from the business license?
Yes. The liquor license is distinct from the business license. Any business involved in selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages must, depending on the case, obtain both:
· A business license to operate legally.
· The appropriate liquor license for beverage sales.
Each license has its own application process, regulatory requirements, and fee structure.
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