A Guide to Application

for Liquor Licences

and
Club Liquor Licences

(April 2023)
 CONTENTS
Page
Important Notes 5

PART A: General 6-8

PART B: Application for New Issue of Licences

[I] Liquor Licence 9

[II] Club Liquor Licence 9-11

[III] Processing of the Application 12-15

[IV] Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under 16

application for or not covered by valid restaurant
licence or Certificate of Compliance

PART C: Application for Renewal of Licences 17

[I] Liquor Licence 17-18

[II] Club Liquor Licence 18

[III] Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under 19

application for or not covered by valid restaurant
licence or Certificate of Compliance

PART D: Application for Transfer of Licence to

Another Person

[I] Liquor Licence 20

[II] Club Liquor Licence 20-21

1
 Page
[III] Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under 22
application for or not covered by valid restaurant
licence or Certificate of Certificate

Part E: Application for Amendment of Licences

[I] Application for permission to Change the Shop

Sign / Club Name of the Establishment

(A) Liquor Licence 23

(B) Club Liquor Licence 23-24

[II] Application for Addition / Deletion of

Endorsement(s) (Bar, Dancing or Hotel) on the
Licence

(A) Liquor Licence 24-25

(B) Club Liquor Licence 25

[III] Application for Permission to Change the Size of

the Premises

(A) Liquor Licence 25

(B) Club Liquor Licence 26

(C) Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under 26-27

application for or not covered by valid
restaurant licence or Certificate of Compliance

[IV] Application for Addition of a New Portion, which 27-28

is not under Application for or Covered by
Restaurant Licence or Certificate of Compliance,
to Licensed Premises (Only applicable to Hotels)

2
 Page
Part F: Miscellaneous Applications

[I] Application for reserve licensee 29

(A) Application for nomination of reserve licensee 29-30

(B) Application for authorization of reserve 30

licensee upon sudden departure of Licensee

[II] Application for Permission to Authorise a Person 30-31

to Manage the Licensed Premises due to Illness
or Temporary Absence of the Licensee (for a
period not exceeding 25% of the number of days
of the validity period of the licence)

Part G: Application for a Temporary Liquor Licence 32

Part H: Application for Employment of Young Persons 32-33

Between the Ages of 15 Years and 18 Years on Licensed
Liquor Selling Premises

3
 Page
Annexes
I Liquor Licensing Offices of the Food and 34
Environmental Hygiene Department

II Flow Chart Showing Licensing Procedures for New 35

Issue of Liquor / Club Liquor Licences

III Sample of a Liquor Licence 36

IV Sample of a Club Liquor Licence 37

V Liquor Licence – Licensing Conditions 38-39

VI Club Liquor Licence – Licensing Conditions 40-41

VII Licensing Office of the Hong Kong Police Force 42

4
 Important Notes

(A) It is an offence under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance

(Cap. 109) to sell liquor without a licence. Any person convicted
of the offence is liable to a fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for
2 years. Furthermore, the Liquor Licensing Board takes a serious
view on the activities of selling liquor without a licence. The
application for a liquor licence can be jeopardised if the applicant
or any staff of the establishment commits the offence. Therefore,
the applicant should ensure that no liquor is sold on the premises at
any stage prior to the issue of a liquor licence.

(B) According to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance

(Cap. 297), the provisions relating to the non-disclosure of previous
conviction records would not apply to proceedings of determining
a person’s suitability to be granted or to continue to hold any
licence. Therefore, an applicant for liquor licence has to disclose
information of all his/her previous conviction in his/her application.

(C) It is an offence under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance

(Cap. 109) to make any incomplete statement or declaration or
submit any incorrect information for the purpose of this Ordinance.
Any person convicted of the offence is liable to a fine of $1,000,000
and imprisonment for 2 years.

(D) The applicant must not offer money or gift to any

Government Officers. This is an offence in law and the offender
is liable to prosecution.

5
PART A: General

(1) In accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, any person who
intends to sell liquor at any premises for consumption on the premises
must obtain a liquor licence before commencement of such business.

(2) If the supply of liquor is intended at any premises used by a

club for the purpose of the club, a club liquor licence is required.

(3) Liquor Licensing Board is established in accordance with the

Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B) as an
independent statutory body to consider the applications for liquor
licences and club liquor licences. Food and Environmental Hygiene
Department provides executive and secretarial support to the Liquor
Licensing Board.

(4) All applications should be made on standard forms obtainable,

free of charge, from the Liquor Licensing Offices, at the addresses
given in Annex I, or download from websites of the Liquor Licensing
Board and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

(5) Liquor Licensing Board also accepts electronic applications

for liquor licences and club liquor licences. The "Online Licence
Services" website (https://www.licensing.gov.hk) provides electronic
licence services to facilitate applicants in submitting their liquor
licence or club liquor licence applications, and checking their
application status online.

(6) For cases where an objection is lodged by the public or the

Police, applicants / licensees will be invited to appear before the
Liquor Licensing Board to answer questions. They may appear
before the Liquor Licensing Board personally or together with their
legal representatives.

(7) In general, the Liquor Licensing Board considers applications

for liquor licences if the premises to which the applications relate are
licensed general / light refreshment / marine restaurants (full or
provisional), or likely to be licensed or provisionally licensed by the
6
Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene. A liquor licence will
be issued when the premises have been issued with a restaurant
licence or a provisional restaurant licence. For club liquor licence
applications, a liquor licence will only be issued if the premises
concerned are issued with a Certificate of Compliance or an Exclusion
Order by the Secretary of Home and Youth Affairs under the Clubs
(Safety of Premises) Ordinance (Cap. 376). Liquor Licensing Board
will also consider applications for liquor licence in respect of premises
other than the afore-mentioned. For such premises not under
application for or not covered by a valid restaurant licence or
Certificate of Compliance, the Liquor Licensing Board will, in
addition to consulting the Hong Kong Police Force and Home Affairs
Department, also consult concerned departments such as Planning
Department, Buildings Department / Independent Checking Unit
under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Housing /
Architectural Services Department, Fire Services Department and
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, in regard to the
location, structure, fire safety and hygienic conditions of the premises
under application. The processing time of such liquor licence
applications will be longer.

(8) For premises located in a mixed commercial / residential

building or a residential building, applications for new issues or
transfer of liquor licences will be considered on a case-by-case basis
if the premises to which the applications relate do not have separate
access to each entrance to the premises. Separate access to the
premises means an independent means of access not directly leading
to the residential units of building.

(9) The use of premises for supply or sale of liquor should not be
in breach of the specified use as set out in the Occupation Permit
issued by the Building Authority, or the Government lease conditions.

(10) For premises located in a residential building or a mixed

commercial / residential building, the Liquor Licensing Board may
impose additional conditions to prohibit the supply, sale or drinking
of liquor between 2300 hours and 0700 hours. In general, there is
no restriction on the liquor-selling time at premises located in other

7
areas, but the Liquor Licensing Board may impose time restriction
based on individual circumstances.

(11) A liquor licensee is required to ensure that all liquor

regulations and licensing conditions are strictly and fully complied
with in the licensed premises. It is therefore necessary for an
applicant to acquire adequate knowledge of the liquor regulations and
licensing conditions. To this end, applicants are advised to attend
seminars organized periodically by the Liquor Licensing Board to
enhance their understanding of the issue. Applicants may also buy
a copy each of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) and
the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B) from the
Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department or the
Online Government Bookstore
(https://www2.bookstore.gov.hk/bookstore/#/home) for reference.
Applicants may visit the website of the Hong Kong e-Legislation
(https://www.elegislation.gov.hk) to download the legislation(s).

(12) If the Liquor Licensing Board, in the process of handling the

application, considers that other documents or information are
required to substantiate the related application, the applicant will be
required to submit the related documents and information before
deliberation to be arranged.

(13) For the criteria used in vetting liquor licence applications by

the Liquor Licensing Board, applicant may refer to “Guidelines on
Assessing Liquor Licence Application” on the Liquor Licensing
Board website
(https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/LLB_web/assess_guide.html).

(14) For enquiries concerning liquor licensing matters, the

applicant may approach the respective Liquor Licensing Office, either
in person or by telephone at the address and telephone number given
in Annex I.

8
PART B: Application for New Issue of Licences

[I] Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for New Issue of a

Liquor Licence” (FEHB 106) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant;

(b) a copy of the applicant’s HKID card;
(c) a copy of each of the business registration certificate of the
restaurant and company (if the establishment under
application is a limited company);
(d) 3 copies of a plan showing the layout of the premises with
clear indication of the area used for dancing (for applications
with dancing endorsement only); and
(e) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the owner of the
establishment under application is a corporation.

[II] Club Liquor Licence

(Note: Application for a Club Liquor Licence must be made by
the secretary of the respective club. The licence shall be
issued to the secretary of the club or a person nominated by
the club)

(1) Complete the application form “Application for New Issue of a

Club Liquor Licence” (FEHB 107) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) If the club is established as a society under the Societies

Ordinance (Cap. 151) –
(i) a letter from the Societies Officer confirming that the

9
 particulars of the notified society has been entered
into the list of societies;
(ii) 3 copies of the certified true copy of the club rules;
(iii) a copy of the minutes regarding the appointment of
the club liquor licence holder;
(iv) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40mm) of the
proposed licence holder;
(v) a copy of the proposed licence holder’s HKID Card;
(vi) 2 copies of a layout plan of the club;
(vii) a copy of documents showing the club’s admission
procedure for members, membership application
form and membership card.

(b) If the club is a limited company incorporated under the

Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) –

(i) 3 copies of the Memorandum and Articles of

Association of the club;
(ii) a certified true copy of the Certificate of
Incorporation of the club;
(iii) a certified true copy of the latest Annual Return of
the club;
(iv) a certified true copy of the resolution of the board of
directors approving the appointment of the proposed
licence holder as a club liquor licence holder; and the
adoption of the club rules;
(v) a copy of each the business registration certificate of
the club and company;
(vi) 3 copies of the certified true copy of the club rules;
(vii) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the
proposed licence holder;
(viii) a copy of the proposed licence holder’s HKID card;
(ix) 2 copies of a layout plan of the club; and

10
 (x) a copy of documents showing the club’s admission
procedure for members, membership application
form and membership card.

(c) If the club is a proprietary club operated by a limited

company incorporated under the Companies Ordinance
(Cap. 622) –

(i) 3 copies of the Certificate of Incorporation of the

limited company, of which one is certified true by the
Companies Registry;
(ii) 3 copies of the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of the limited company;
(iii) a certified true copy of the latest Annual Return of
the limited company;
(iv) a copy of the Business Registration Certificate of the
limited company;
(v) a copy of the Branch Registration Certificate of the
club;
(vi) a certified true copy of the resolution of the board of
directors approving –
(aa) the establishment of the club specifying its
name and address;
(bb) the appointment of the proposed licence holder
as a club liquor licence holder; and
(cc) the adoption of the club rules;
(vii) 3 copies of the certified true copy of the club rules;
(viii) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the
proposed licence holder;
(ix) a copy of the proposed licence holder’s HKID card;
(x) 2 copies of a layout plan of the club;
(xi) a copy of documents showing the club’s admission
procedure for members, membership application
form and membership card.
11
[III] Processing of the Application

(1) After submission of an application, applicant may be required

to attend an interview to be arranged by the Secretary, Liquor
Licensing Board for the purpose of verifying the information
provided in the application form and other matters relating to
the application.

(2) All applications are referred to the Hong Kong Police Force and
Home Affairs Department for comments.

(3) Public opinion is also sought and this is done by placing an

advertisement, at the applicant’s expense, in three newspapers
(other than in the classified advertisement column) in
accordance with the following requirements and standard
format provided by the licensing offices. Upon receipt of the
application, Liquor Licensing Board will post the notice on
application for Liquor / Club Liquor Licence on its website.

(a) The advertisement in the size of not smaller than 30 square

centimetres (5 square inches) must be in the following
format –

12
(i) Liquor Licence
(Posted in English newspaper)

#
NOTICE ON APPLICATION FOR NEW ISSUE OF LIQUOR
LICENCE
#
Sign of Establishment

“Notice is hereby given that (…… name of applicant ……) of (…… address of
the applicant ……) is applying to the Liquor Licensing Board for new issue of
Liquor Licence in respect of (…… sign of establishment ……) situated at (……
address of the establishment ……) *with endorsement of (bar/dancing/hotel).
Any person having any objection to this application should send a signed written
objection, stating the grounds therefor, to the Secretary, Liquor Licensing Board,
*8th Floor, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building, 225 Hennessy Road,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong / 4th Floor, Pei Ho Street Municipal Services Building,
333 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon / 4th Floor, Tai Po Complex, No.8
Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New Territories within 14 days from the date of
this notice.

Date: (the advertisement date)”

#
In bold type * Delete where appropriate

(Posted in Chinese newspaper)

#申請新酒牌公告
#商號名稱

「現特通告： (申請人姓名) 其地址為 (申請人地址) ，現向酒牌

局申請位於 (商務地址)
(商號名稱) 的新酒牌，*其附加批註為(酒吧／跳舞／酒店)。凡反對
是項申請者，請於此公告刊登之日起十四天內，將已簽署及申明理由之
反對書， 寄交*香港灣仔軒尼詩道 225 號駱克道市政大廈 8 字樓／九龍
深水埗基隆街 333 號北河街市政大廈 4 字樓／新界大埔鄉事會街 8 號大
埔綜合大樓 4 字樓酒牌局秘書收。

日期： (即公告刊登日期)」
#
用粗黑體字
* 刪去不適用的字句

13
(ii) Club Liquor Licence
(Posted in English newspaper)

#
NOTICE ON APPLICATION FOR NEW ISSUE OF CLUB LIQUOR
LICENCE
#
Name of Club

“Notice is hereby given that (…… name of applicant ……) of (…… address of
the applicant ……) is applying to the Liquor Licensing Board for new issue of
Club Liquor Licence in respect of (……name of club ……) situated at (……
address of the club ……). Any person having any objection to this application
should send a signed written objection, stating the grounds therefor, to the
Secretary, Liquor Licensing Board, *8th Floor, Lockhart Road Municipal
Services Building, 225 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong / 4th Floor, Pei
Ho Street Municipal Services Building, 333 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po,
Kowloon / 4th Floor, Tai Po Complex, No.8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New
Territories within 14 days from the date of this notice.

Date: (the advertisement date)”

#
In bold type * Delete where appropriate

(Posted in Chinese newspaper)

#申請新會社酒牌公告
#會社名稱

「現特通告： (申請人姓名) 其地址為 (申請人地址) ，現向酒

牌局申請位於 (會社地址)
(會社名稱) 的新會社酒牌。凡反對是項申請者，請於此公告刊登之日
起十四天內，將已簽署及申明理由之反對書， 寄交*香港灣仔軒尼詩道
225 號駱克道市政大廈 8 字樓／九龍深水埗基隆街 333 號北河街市政大
廈 4 字樓／新界大埔鄉事會街 8 號大埔綜合大樓 4 字樓酒牌局秘書收。

日期： (即公告刊登日期)」
#
用粗黑體字
* 刪去不適用的字句

14
 (b) The advertisement must be placed for one day in one
newspaper from Group A and two newspapers from Group
B:

(i) Group A – English newspaper :-

South China Morning Post

The Standard
China Daily Hong Kong Edition
Financial Times

(ii) Group B – Chinese newspapers :-

Oriental Daily News Hong Kong Economic Journal

Sing Pao Daily News Hong Kong Economic Times
Ming Pao Daily News Ta Kung Pao
Sing Tao Daily Hong Kong Commercial Daily
Wen Wei Po Headline Daily
am730

(c) A copy of the full page, containing the advertisement, from

each of the newspapers in which it appears, must be
submitted by the applicant to the Liquor Licensing Office as
soon as possible. Processing of the applications will be held
in abeyance until such copies of the advertisement are
received by the Liquor Licensing Office.

(4) Notices will also be posted by staff of the Food and

Environmental Hygiene Department in the building where the
premises under application are located.

(5) When there is no objection to the application, a liquor licence

or a club liquor licence will be granted (see Annexes II, III &
IV). The liquor licensee has to observe a set of statutory
conditions (see Annexes V, V(a), (VI) & VI(a)) and any
additional licensing conditions as may be imposed by the Liquor
Licensing Board.
15
[IV] Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under application
for or not covered by valid restaurant licence or Certificate
of Compliance

(1) Liquor Licensing Board will also consider applications for

liquor licence in respect of premises other than the afore-
mentioned. For such premises not under application for or not
covered by a valid restaurant licence or Certificate of
Compliance, the Liquor Licensing Board will, in addition to
consulting the Hong Kong Police Force and Home Affairs
Department, also consult concerned departments such as the
Planning Department, Buildings Department / Independent
Checking Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for
Housing / Architectural Services Department, Fire Services
Department and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department,
in regard to the location, structure, fire safety and hygienic
conditions of the premises under application. The processing
time of such liquor licence applications will be longer.

(2) Applicant is required to submit documents as listed in Part B [I]

above to the respective Liquor Licensing Office together with
the following documents –

(a) 5 copies of identical proposed layout plan of the premises

showing its layout including the portion for sale or supply of
liquor and for consumption of liquor on the premises. Such
plans should be drawn to scale of not less than 1:100 and in
metric units;
(b) if the ventilating system is installed in the premises, 3 copies
of identical proposed ventilating system layout plan together
with the Supplier Certificate are required. Such plans should
be drawn to scale of not less than 1:100 and in metric units;
and
(c) 3 copies of identical location map to clearly indicate the
location of the premises. The map should be drawn to
scale of 1:1000 and in metric units.

16
PART C: Application for Renewal of Licences

(1) Application for renewal of a liquor licence or club liquor licence

should be submitted to the respective Liquor Licensing Office
(see Annex I) not more than 4 months and not less than 3 months
before the licence is due for renewal. Where the period of
licence is 3 months, the application for renewal of the licence is
required to be submitted not less than 2 months before the
licence is due to renewal.

(2) Under the prevailing policy, the Liquor Licensing Board will
consider the liquor-licensed premises with a good track record
for at least two consecutive years immediately before the liquor
licence renewal application for licence renewal for two years.

(3) By “good track record”, the liquor-licensed premises should

meet the following criteria:

(a) there is no substantiated complaint / enforcement action

recorded against the licensed premises or the licensees in the
licences register for at least two consecutive years
immediately before the renewal application;
(b) the premises had been granted a liquor licence of at least one
year at the time when the licence was last approved or
renewed; and
(c) the licence renewal application is not the subject of objection
or adverse comment from the public.

[I] Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for Renewal of a

Liquor Licence” (FEHB 106A) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) A copy of the valid liquor licence; and

17
 (b) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the licensee.

(2) Liquor licensees need to advertise in any one local newspaper

(other than in the classified advertisement column) from either
Group A or Group B (see Part B [III] (3)(b) on page 15) for one
day, at his / her own expense, according to the instructions
below –

(a) The advertisement must be in the size of not smaller than 60

square centimetres (ten square inches) in the format
provided by the licensing office.
(b) The advertisement must be in both Chinese and English.
(c) An original copy of the full page, containing the
advertisement, must be submitted to the licensing office for
record as soon as possible.

(3) For details of the advertisement, liquor licensees may approach

the respective Liquor Licensing Office, either in person or by
telephone at the address and telephone number given in Annex
I.

[II] Club Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for Renewal of a

Club Liquor Licence” (FEHB 107A) and return it to the
respective Liquor Licensing Office together with the following
documents –

(a) a copy of the valid club liquor licence; and

(b) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the licensee.

(2) The requirements of newspaper advertisement for this kind of

application are similar to that of the application for renewal of
liquor licence (see Part C [I] (2) above).

18
[III] Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under application
for or not covered by valid restaurant licence or Certificate
of Compliance

(1) The same procedures as that of the application for renewal of

liquor licences in Part C [I] above apply.

(2) Liquor Licensing Board will consult Fire Services Department

on the compliance of fire safety requirements including
submission of Certificate of Fire Service Installations and
Equipment (F.S.251) and Annual Inspection Certificate of the
premises.

19
PART D: Application for Transfer of Licence to Another Person

(Note: the application form must be completed by the person to whom

the transfer is intended (transferee))

[I] Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for Transfer of a

Liquor Licence” (FEHB 106B) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) a copy of the valid liquor licence;

(b) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant
(transferee);
(c) a copy of the applicant’s HKID card; and
(d) a copy of each of the Business Registration Certificate of the
restaurant and company (if the establishment under
application is a limited company).

(2) Both the transferor and the transferee may be required to attend
an interview to be arranged by the Secretary, Liquor Licensing
Board for the purpose of verifying the information provided in
the application and other matters relating to the application.

(3) The requirements of newspaper advertisement for this kind of

application are similar to that of the application for renewal of
Liquor Licence (see Part C [I] (2) on page 18).

[II] Club Liquor Licence

(1) The same procedures as above apply, but the following

documents should be produced.

(2) Complete the application form “Application for Transfer of a

Club Liquor Licence” (FEHB 107B) and return it to the
respective Liquor Licensing Office together with the following

20
 documents –

(a) a copy of the valid club liquor licence;

(b) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant
(transferee);
(c) a copy of the applicant’s HKID card;
(d) a copy of each of the Business Registration Certificate of the
club and company (if the club under application is a limited
company);
(e) a certified true copy of the resolution of the board of
directors appointing the applicant as a club liquor licence
holder; and
(f) if there is a change of hand of the company / organisation
which owns the club, please also submit the following
documents –
(i) 3 copies of the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of the club;
(ii) a certified true copy of the Certificate of
Incorporation of the club, if any;
(iii) a certified true copy of the latest Annual Return of
the limited company;
(iv) a certified true copy of the resolution of the new
board of directors approving –
(aa) the appointment of the applicant (transferee) as
the club licence holder; and
(bb) The adoption of the club rules;
(v) 3 copies of the certified true copy of club rules;
(vi) 2 copies of a layout plan of the club; and
(vii) a copy of documents showing the club’s admission
procedure for members, membership application
form and membership card.

21
[III] Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under application
for or not covered by valid restaurant licence or Certificate
of Compliance

(1) Similar procedures as that of the application for new issue of

licences in Part B [I] above apply.
(2) Except for premises in Government properties or Housing
Authority properties, the transferee of an existing liquor licence
is required to submit (in person or by mail) certification made
by recognised professional(s) (i.e. authorized persons /
structural engineers registered under Section 3 of the Buildings
Ordinance (Cap.123)) certifying that the premises are free of
unauthorized building works to Liquor Licensing Board in
prescribed form (FEHB 267).

22
PART E: Application for Amendment of Licences

[I] Application for Permission to Change the Shop Sign / Club

Name of the Establishment

(A) Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for Amendment of

a Liquor Licence” (FEHB 106C) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant; and

(b) a copy of the Business Registration Certificate bearing the
new shop sign.

(2) The requirements of newspaper advertisement for this kind of

application are similar to that of the application for renewal of
Liquor Licence (see Part C [I] (2) on page 18).

(B) Club Liquor Licence

(1) The same procedures as above apply, but the following

documents should be produced.

(2) Complete the application form “Application for Amendment of

a Club Liquor Licence” (FEHB 107C) and return it to the
respective Liquor Licensing Office together with the following
documents –

(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant;

(b) a copy of each of the Business Registration Certificate of the
club and company (if the club under application is a limited
company);
(c) 3 copies of the certified true copy of club rules bearing the
new club name;
(d) a certified true copy of the latest Annual Return of the

23
 limited company; and
(e) (i) if the club is a proprietary club operated by a limited
company incorporated under the Companies
Ordinance (Cap. 622), a certified true copy of the
resolution of the board of directors approving the
changing of name of the club; OR
(ii) if the club is a limited company incorporated under the
Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), a certified true copy
of the certificate of change of name of the limited
company; OR
(iii) if the club is established as a society under the
Societies Ordinance (Cap. 151), a letter from the
Societies Officer confirming notification of the change
of name has been received.

[II] Application for Addition / Deletion of Endorsement(s) (Bar,

Dancing or Hotel) on the Licence

(A) Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for Amendment of

a Liquor Licence” (FEHB 106C) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant; and

(b) 3 copies of a plan showing the layout of the premises with
clear indication of the area used for dancing (for applications
with dancing endorsement only).

(2) The requirements of newspaper advertisement for this kind of

application are similar to that of the application for renewal of
Liquor Licence (see Part C [I] (2) on page 18).

*Remarks: If the layout plan at Part E [II] (A) (I)(b) is not consistent
with the existing layout plan of the licensed restaurant

24
 approved by the Food and Environmental Hygiene
Department, the licensee of the restaurant should submit
3 copies of a plan showing the layout of the premises to
apply for alteration with the Food and Environmental
Hygiene Department .

(B) Club Liquor Licence

(1) Dancing and hotel endorsements will not be granted to holders

of a club liquor licence.

[III] Application for Permission to Change the Size of the

Premises

(A) Liquor Licence

(1) Complete the application form “Application for Amendment of

a Liquor Licence” (FEHB 106C) and return it to the respective
Liquor Licensing Office together with the following documents
–

(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant;

(b) a copy of amended Business Registration Certificate in
respect of the premises under application; and
(c) 3 copies of a plan showing the layout of the premises with
clear indication of the area included / deleted.

(2) The requirements of newspaper advertisement for this kind of

application are similar to that of the application for renewal of
Liquor Licence (see Part C [I] (2) on page 18).

(3) If any proposed new portion included into licensed premises

involves food business, such new portion shall be covered by a
restaurant licence.

25
(B) Club Liquor Licence

(1) The same procedures as above apply, but the following

documents should be produced.

(2) Complete the application form “Application for Amendment of

a Club Liquor Licence” (FEHB 107C) and return it to the
respective Liquor Licensing Office together with the following
documents –

(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant;

(b) one copy of the amended Business Registration Certificate
in respect of the premises under application; and
(c) 2 copies of the amended layout plan of the club.

(C) Liquor Licence in respect of premises not under application

for or not covered by valid restaurant licence or Certificate
of Compliance

(1) The same procedures as Part E [III] (A) above apply. In

addition to the required documents as listed in Part E [III] (A)
(1), the application must be accompanied with following
documents:

(a) 4 copies of identical layout plan and/or 3 copies of

ventilating system layout plan showing the proposed
alteration(s) and/or addition(s) to the premises. Proposed
layout / ventilating system layout plan must be drawn in
metric unit and in scale commonly used of not less than
1:100.

(2) The application will be referred to the Hong Kong Police Force,
Home Affairs Department, Planning Department, Fire Services
Department, Buildings Department / Independent Checking
Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Housing /
Architectural Services Department etc. and government
departments concerned for comment. It will take longer
26
 processing time than normal liquor licence applications.

[IV] Application for Addition of a New Portion, which is not

under Application for or covered by Restaurant Licence or
Certificate of Compliance, to Licensed Premises (Only
applicable to Hotels)

(1) The same procedures as Part E [III] (A) above apply.

(2) The following documents have to be submitted to the Liquor

Licensing Board in respect of the amendment application:
(a) 2 recent photographs (35 mm x 40 mm) of the applicant;
(b) a copy of the amended Business Registration Certificate in
respect of the premises under application;
(c) 5 copies of proposed layout plan showing the layout of the
premises including the portion for sale of supply of liquor
and for consumption of liquor on the premises. Such plans
should be drawn to scale (of not less than 1:100) in metric
unit;
(d) 3 copies of proposed ventilating system layout plan together
with Supplier Certificate ae require if the ventilating system
is installed in the premises. Such plans should be drawn to
scale (of not less than 1:100) in metric unit;
(e) 3 copies of identical location map to clearly indicate the
location of the premises. The map should be drawn to
scale of 1:1000 and in metric units; and

(3) The application will be referred to the Hong Kong Police Force,
Home Affairs Department, Planning Department, Fire Services
Department, Buildings Department / Independent Checking
Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Housing /
Architectural Services Department etc. and government
departments concerned for comment. It will take longer
processing time than normal liquor licence applications.
Remarks: Any proposed changes to the approved layout of the
27
premises must be highlighted with colour and simple
descriptions on the proposed layout / ventilating system
layout plans before making submission to the Liquor
Licensing Board for consideration and referral to other
government departments for processing. Proposed plans
not in compliance with this requirement will be rejected.
Licensee should note that the Liquor Licensing Board and
other government departments concerned would not be
responsible for any delay caused by the errors and
omissions in highlighting all changes on the plans.
Application for alternation(s) and / or addition(s) of
ventilating system must be accompanied by a certificate
from the supplier / contractor / consultant giving the
specifications of the system.

28
PART F: Miscellaneous Applications
(Note: Both liquor licence and club liquor licence refers to the same
application procedure)

[I] Application for Reserve Licensee

(1) The reserve licensee mechanism comprises of vetting

application for nomination of reserve licensee and application
of authorization of reserve licensee. A person to be nominated
as a reserve licensee should meet the “fit and proper person”
criterion and not be a licence holder or reserve licensee of other
liquor licensed premises.

(2) The maximum period for authorization of the reserve licensee

during the absence of the liquor licensee is capped at 25% of the
number of days of the validity period of the liquor licence, and
for a liquor licence with a validity period of more than one year,
each period must not exceed 90 days (and the aggregate periods
must not exceed 90 days within any 12 consecutive months in
the validity period of the licence).

(A) Application for Nomination of Reserve Licensee

(a) The licensee / applicant should submit application (Form No.:

FEHB 266) that is in attached to Annex I / II of application forms
for new issue (FEHB 106/107), renewal (FEHB 106A/107A)
and transfer (FEHB 106B/107B) of liquor licence / club liquor
licence and return to respective Liquor Licensing Officer
together with the following documents:
(aa) a copy of HKID card of the nominated reserve licensee;

(bb) a recent photograph of the nominated reserved licensee.

(b) An application for nomination of reserve licensee has to be

submitted together with application for new issue / renewal /
transfer of liquor licence. An individual application for
nomination of reserve licensee will not be processed.

29
(c) Not more than one application for nomination of reserve licensee
should be submitted during the validity period of liquor licence
except transfer application and in case of refusal of the first
nomination application during the validity period of liquor
licence.

(d) All applications for nomination of reserve licensee will be

referred to the Hong Kong Police Force for comment. After
seeking comments from the Hong Kong Police Force, the
Secretary of Liquor Licensing Board will, in general, consider
the application in about 8 weeks upon the approval to new issue
/ renewal / transfer applications.

(B) Application for authorization of reserve licensee upon

sudden departure of Licensee

(a) Should there be a sudden departure of licensee, the licensee /

owner / proprietor of liquor selling business is required to submit
the following documents for authorization of the nominated
reserve licensee to take over the role of the licensee at least 7
working days before the licensee’s departure:

(aa) an application for authorization of reserve licensee (Form

No.: FEHB 266A); and
(bb) a declaration of reserve licensee’s (Form No.: FEHB
266B).

(Note: In parallel, the concerned owner / proprietor

should submit application of new issue / transfer of
liquor licence as appropriate.)

[II] Application for Permission to Authorise a Person to Manage

the Licensed Premises due to Illness or Temporary Absence
of the Licensee (for a period not exceeding 25% of the
number of days of the validity period of the licence)

(1) In case of illness or temporary absence of the licensee, the

licensee is required to submit an application for permission to
30
 authorize a person to manage the licensed premises at least 7
working days before the start date of temporary absence if leave
period is not more than 30 days and 15 working days before the
start date of temporary absence if leave period is more than 30
days.

(2) Completed application form (FEHB 239) should be submitted

to the respective Liquor Licensing Office together with the
following documents:-

(a) a recent photograph of the authorized person;

(b) a copy of the authorized person’s HKID card or other
identification document;
(c) a copy of the leave approval letter from the company /
employer if the applied period is more than 10 days.

(3) With a reserve licensee in place, the application form can be

submitted at least 7 working days before start date of temporary
absence.

(4) The maximum period for authorization of a person to manage

the licensed premises during temporary absence of the licensee
is capped at 25% of the number of days of the validity period of
the liquor licence, and for a liquor licence with a validity period
of more than one year, each period must not exceed 90 days (and
the aggregate periods must not exceed 90 days within any 12
consecutive months in the validity period of the licence).

31
PART G: Application for a Temporary Liquor Licence

(1) Temporary Liquor Licence may be granted by the

Commissioner of Police for the retail sale of liquors at any
public entertainment or on any public occasion.

(2) Application for a temporary liquor licence can be made at the

Licensing Office of the Hong Kong Police Force (see Annex
VII). Only a person who is already in possession of a full liquor
licence will be considered to be issued with a Temporary Liquor
Licence.

PART H: Application for Employment of Young Persons Between

the Ages of 15 Years and 18 Years on Licensed Liquor Selling
Premises

(1) Under Regulation 29(1) of the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor)

Regulations (Cap. 109B), no licensee shall employ, or permit
the employment of, on or about the licensed premises, or in
connection with the business carried on therein –

(a) at any time any person under the age of 15 years; or

(b) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. any person under
the age of 18 years; or
(c) between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. any person under
the age of 18 years except with the written permission of the
Board.

(2) The employment of persons between the ages of 15 years and

18 years on licensed liquor selling premises between the hours
of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. is prohibited except with the written
permission of the Liquor Licensing Board.

(3) Permission will only be given when the following three

requirements are satisfied –

(a) such persons are the students of a vocational training school

32
 or an educational institute registered under the Education
Ordinance or any other Ordinance in force and such
employment is in connection with a training programme; or
(b) the sale of liquor is not the main activityNote in the licensed
premises in which they are employed to work; and
(c) there is no objection from the Commissioner of Police.

(4) Besides, licensees are prohibited to employ any person under

the age of 15 years on any licensed liquor selling premises at
any time and of persons under the age of 18 years between the
hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to which no exemption is given.

(5) Given the above provision and requirements, if any licensee

wants to employ young persons between the ages of 15 years
and 18 years, he should apply in writing together with the
following information and documents to respective liquor
licensing office –

(a) a copy of the valid liquor licence;

(b) a copy of the valid full or provisional general / marine
restaurant / light refreshment licence; and
(c) information about the duties of the young persons to be
employed.

Note
Premises in which sale of liquor is considered to be the main
activity includes bars, karaoke establishments, discos and clubs.

33
 Annex I

Liquor Licensing Offices of the Food and Environmental Hygiene

Department

Hong Kong and Islands

Assistant Secretary,
Liquor Licensing Board,
8th Floor, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building,
225 Hennessy Road,
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel.: 2879 5728 / 2879 5779
Fax : 2507 2964

Kowloon
Assistant Secretary,
Liquor Licensing Board,
4th Floor, Pei Ho Street Municipal Services Building,
333 Ki Lung Street,
Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
Tel.: 2729 1126 / 2729 1237
Fax: 3146 5319

New Territories
Assistant Secretary,
Liquor Licensing Board,
4th Floor, Tai Po Complex,
No. 8, Heung Sze Wui Street,
Tai Po, New Territories
Tel.: 3183 9220 / 3183 9255
Fax: 2606 3350

34
 Annex II
Flow chart Showing Licensing Procedures for
New Issue of Liquor / Club Liquor Licence
Applicant submits application to FEHD Liquor Licensing Office (reg. 15 / reg. 26 of DCLR Note1)
About 10 weeks

About 8 weeks
Refer to Note 2.
The premises are licensed restaurant No
It will take longer
/ obtained Certificate of Compliance
processing time than
(CoC) / have submitted application
normal liquor licence
for restaurant licence or CoC?
application

Yes

Applicant arranges for FEHD Liquor Licensing Office refers application to

advertisement in 2 departments concerned for comments within 3 working days
Chinese and 1 English
local newspapers at least  Comments from HKPF and HAD
2 weeks before the case is within 15 working days
FEHD within 7 working days
determined (reg. 16 of  Comments from BD and FSD for
 Inspects the premises;
DCLR). The same notice dancing endorsement / Police concerned
and
is also posted on the LLB cases and upstairs bar Note 3 within 3
 Posts notice in area near
webpage weeks and 24 working days respectively
the premises

(a) For non-contested case, FEHD Liquor Licensing Office receives comments from departments and/or public and
prepares paper within 10 working days.
(b) For contested and contentious case, FEHD Liquor Licensing Office receives comments from departments
and/or public and prepares paper for the Secretariat, LLB within 15 working days to arrange hearing or meetings.

Contested Case Note 4 Contentious Case Non-contested Case

LLB considers at house meeting

LLB considers at opening hearing

LLB considers an open
hearing for the application is FEHD vets and
LLB refuses the application necessary approves the
application within 7
working days
Secretary, LLB informs the LLB approves the application and
applicant and other interested grants a liquor / club liquor licence
parties in writing within 17 valid for one year or less with or
working days – without conditions FEHD arranges to
 decision and reasons for the issue liquor / club
refusal; and liquor licence within 5
 the right of appeal to MSAB working days upon
Secretary, LLB informs the
[reg. 17(4) of DCLR] production of a valid
applicant and other interested
restaurant licence /
parties in writing within 17
CoC
working days –
Applicant or other interested  decision and reasons for the
party appeals to MSAB within approval with conditions (if Legend:
28 days after the date of notice any); and LLB = Liquor Licensing Board
[reg. 17(5) of DCLR] Note 5  the right of appeal to MSAB
FEHD = Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
HKPF = Hong Kong Police Force
[reg. 17(4) of DCLR] MSAB = Municipal Services Appeals Board
BD = Buildings Department
HAD = Home Affairs Department
MSAB considers the appeal ICU = Independent Checking Unit under the Office of the Permanent
Secretary for Housing
FSD = Fire Services Department
PlanD = Planning Department
ArchSD = Architectural Services Department
MSAB dismisses the appeal MSAB allows the appeal

Note 1 Regulation 15 of Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B) (DCLR) for liquor licence and regulation 26 of DCLR for club liquor licence
Note 2 For premises not under application for or covered by a valid restaurant licence or Certificate of Compliance, applicant should complete Annex 1 of application from and submit layout plans and location plans.
Besides HKPF and HAD, FEHD Liquor Licensing Office refers application to PlanD, BD/ArchSD/ICU, FSD and FEHD Licensing Office for comments within 5 working days. Comments from concerned
departments/office will be made within 20 working days. Upon receiving comments from concerned departments/office and the public, the application will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures of above
flow chart.
Note 3 Dancing endorsement and upstairs bar is not applicable to Club Liquor Licence
Note 4 If LLB considers that any contested case requires to be processed specifically, it can deal with the objections in a manner as it sees fit, including not convening an opening hearing.
Note 5 The applicant or 20 or more persons residing within a radius of 400 metres from the premises to which the application relates may, within 28 days after the date of the notice under paragraph (4), appeal to the
Municipal Services Appeals Board against the decision.
35
 Annex III

Sample of a Liquor Licence

36
 Annex IV

Sample of a Club Liquor Licence

37
 Annex V
Licensing Conditions for Liquor Licence

1. No disorder shall be permitted on the premises.

2. No person shall be allowed to become drunk on the premises, nor
shall liquor be supplied to any person who is drunk.
3. No games of chance shall be played on the premises.
4. The licensee shall personally supervise the premises.
5. The licensee shall display a warning notice at a conspicuous
place inside the premises containing the words「禁止任何十八
歲 以 下 人 士 在 處 所 內 進 飲 酒 類 飲 品 NO LIQUOR FOR
PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18」. In the said notice, the
size of each Chinese character shall not be less than 3 cm (height)
x 3 cm (width) and the size of each English letter shall not be less
than 2 cm (height) x 2 cm (width).
6. The licensee shall exhibit and keep exhibited a notice denoting
its licensed status provided by the Board at the main entrance of
the premises.
7. The licensee shall not permit any person to occupy or use any
portion of the premises for any immoral or illegal purpose.
8. The licensee shall not permit any common prostitutes or reputed
thieves to assemble or remain on the premises.
9. The licensee shall not permit drunkenness, or violence, quarrel or
other disorderly conduct on the premises and shall not permit
persons of known bad character to assemble or remain on the
premises.
10. The name of any liquor for which a standard of quality is
prescribed by regulations shall be clearly marked on the container
in or from which the liquor is supplied to any customers.
11. No bar business shall be operated on the premises, except with
the permission of the Board endorsed herein.
12. No dancing shall be permitted on the premises, except with the
permission of the Board endorsed herein.
13. Toilets shall be maintained in a state of cleanliness and good
repair for the use of customers.
14. Except exempted by the Board, the licensed premises shall be
concurrently covered by a valid restaurant licence issued by the
Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene.

38
 Annex V(a)

Additional Licensing Conditions for Liquor Licence

(a) Liquor selling hours: from ………………… a.m./p.m.

to ……………… a.m./p.m.

(b) Endorsement of dancing/bar/hotel on the licence.

(c) Not more than ……………… persons, including staff, shall be

permitted on the premises at any one time.

(d) The hours of duty of the licensee: from ……………… a.m./p.m.

to ……………. a.m./p.m.

39
 Annex VI

Licensing Conditions for Club Liquor Licence

1. No disorder shall be permitted on the club premises.

2. No person shall be allowed to become drunk on the club premises,
nor shall liquor be supplied to any person who is drunk.
3. The licensee shall personally supervise the club premises.
4. The licensee shall display a warning notice at a conspicuous
place inside the club premises containing the words 「禁止任何
十八歲以下人士在會社內進飲酒類飲品 NO LIQUOR FOR
PERSON UNDER AGE 18」. In the said notice, the size of each
Chinese character shall not be less than 3 cm (height) x 3 cm
(width) and the size of each English letter shall not be less than 2
cm (height) x 2 cm (width).
5. The licensee shall exhibit and keep exhibited a notice denoting
its licensed status provided by the Board at the main entrance of
the club premises.
6. The licensee shall not permit any person to occupy or use any
portion of the club premises for any immoral or illegal purpose.
7. The licensee shall not permit any common prostitutes or reputed
thieves to assemble or remain on the club premises.
8. The licensee shall no not permit drunkenness, or violence, quarrel
or other disorderly conduct on the club premises and shall not
permit persons of known bad character to assemble or remain on
the club premises.
9. Toilets shall be maintained in a state of cleanliness and good
repair for the use of members.
10. Except exempted by the Board, the club liquor licence shall be
concurrently covered by a valid Certificate of Compliance issued
by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs.

40
 Annex VI(a)

Additional Licensing Conditions for Club Liquor Licence

(a) Liquor selling hours: from …………… a.m./p.m.

to ……………… a.m./p.m.

(b) Not more than ……………… persons, including staff, shall be

permitted on the premises at any one time.

(c) The hours of duty of the licensee: from ……………… a.m./p.m.

to ……………. a.m./p.m.

41
 Annex VII

Licensing Office of the Hong Kong Police Force

Licensing Office
The Hong Kong Police Force
12/F, Arsenal House,
Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: 2860 6523 / 2860 6524

42
 IMPORTANT NOTICE
It is an offence under the Prevention of
Bribery Ordinance to offer advantages
to Government Officers

43