The Business of Wines and Spirits and selling of Alcoholic drinks is very popular in Kenya. In estates with high density of population like estates in urban centers, selling of alcoholic drinks is lucrative.
In order to start a wine and spirits business in Kenya and in a place like Nairobi, the following are the Liquor License Costs (2024) For Nairobi County
*Please note that County Business Permit is charged separately
CATEGORY/BUSINESS TYPE | FEES (KSH) | CONDITIONS |
General retail alcoholic drink license— (on License) or BAR/PUB | 50,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks from 5pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 2pm to 11pm on weekends and public holidays |
General retail alcoholic drink license – (off License) or Retail Wine & Spirits | 24,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks from 5pm to 8.30pm on weekdays and 2pm to 8.30pm on weekends and public holidays on take away basis ONLY |
Wholesale alcoholic drink license | 50,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks at any time of the day throughout the week but ONLY sell to retailers in bulk/wholesale basis |
Depot alcoholic drink license | 20,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks at any time of the day throughout the week |
Distributor alcoholic drink license | 50,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks at any time of the day throughout the week |
Hotel alcoholic drink license | 50,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks to residents ONLY at any time of the day |
Restaurant alcoholic drink license | 30,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks on any day of the week BUT ONLY to persons taking meals in the restaurant, for consumption with such meals. |
Members’ Club alcoholic drink license | 100,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks to Members ONLY at any time of the day |
Proprietary Club alcoholic drink license | 100,000 | Authorized to sell alcoholic drinks from 7pm to 3am |
Wines and Spirits Liquor License Costs in Kenya may seem expensive especially for first time business owners. However, please note that running a wines and spirits business in Kenya without a permit has high penalties as well as constant extortion by police officers and county officers. In fact, the cost of bribes and extortion due to lacking licenses may be higher the Wines and Spirits Liquor License Costs in Kenya!
We also note that wines and spirits business in Kenya is very rewarding when done properly. For starters, ensure you open in strategic location and have a Mobile POS System App to help you keep track of the business performance from anywhere, anytime.