National

Government Cracking Down On Liquor License Holders

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – New liquor rules in The Bahamas now require all alcohol sellers to have a business license and a Certificate of Registration. Without both, even renewals can be denied. Existing businesses are urged to act fast to stay compliant.

Published

1 year ago

August 7, 2025

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Big changes are coming for anyone selling liquor in The Bahamas. A recent amendment to the Business License Act is tightening regulations, and businesses that don’t comply could lose their license.

Whether you operate a corner bar, a family restaurant, or a liquor store, the Department of Inland Revenue is enforcing new standards. Under Section 9A of the amended Act, business owners must now have both a valid business license and a mandatory Certificate of Registration.

This applies even to existing businesses. The new rules specifically target liquor establishments near schools, churches, and residential neighborhoods, aiming to address long-standing community complaints about noise, public safety, and neighborhood impact.

At the weekly press briefing, Controller of Inland Revenue Shunda Strachan outlined the new requirements.

SHUNDA STRACHAN – CONTROLLER, DEPARTMENT OF INLAND REVENUE
“It is now mandatory for a liquor business to have a certificate of registration and a business license, even if you already have one, you must register.”

The new process includes public consultation, community feedback, and a review of how many other liquor sellers are in the area. First-time applicants must register 90 days in advance. Fees are set at $100 for liquor stores and $50 for bars and restaurants.

Without a Certificate of Registration, a business license will not be issued, not even for renewals.

If a premises is deemed unsuitable during review, the Department may decline to register the business. In that case, a consultation process could take up to two weeks, potentially forcing the business to pause operations.

While the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce supports the move for stricter regulations, CEO Dr. Leo Rolle urges fairness and consideration for established businesses.

DR. LEO ROLLE – CEO, BAHAMAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“Some of these businesses have invested heavily in infrastructure, staffing, and community programs. We don’t want a process that results in their license not being renewed and forces them into uncertainty.”

So, what’s next? If you sell or plan to sell liquor in The Bahamas, now’s the time to review your documents and get ahead of the new compliance standards.