Businesses in Albania that plan to serve or sell alcohol must obtain the appropriate license before starting operations. This includes restaurants, bars, hotels, cafés, and retail shops. Alcohol licensing is regulated by both national and municipal authorities and varies depending on how alcohol is sold.
Who Needs an Alcohol License?
An alcohol license is required for any commercial activity involving alcoholic beverages. This includes:
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Bars, restaurants, hotels, and cafés serving alcohol on-site
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Shops, supermarkets, and kiosks selling sealed alcohol for takeaway
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Event organizers or catering companies including alcohol in their service
Licensing is mandatory regardless of whether alcohol is a primary or secondary part of the business.
Types of Licenses
There are two main types of alcohol licenses in Albania.
The first is for on-premises consumption, required by businesses that serve alcohol directly to customers on-site. This applies to hospitality venues like bars, restaurants, and hotels.
The second is for off-premises sales, required by shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol for customers to take away. In some cases, a business may need both licenses if it operates in multiple formats.
Legal Requirements
To qualify for a license, your business must be registered with the National Business Center (QKB) and operate from a property approved for commercial use. It must also comply with the following:
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Zoning laws that regulate where alcohol can be sold
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Health and safety certifications, including fire and hygiene standards
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Tax registration and issuance of fiscal invoices
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Municipal approvals, especially in areas with noise, school, or residential restrictions
Each municipality may impose additional rules, such as limited hours or alcohol bans in specific zones.
How to Apply
The application process starts when you register your business or update your activity code with QKB. You must declare that your company will sell or serve alcohol and provide supporting documents.
In most cases, you will also need to submit:
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Proof of commercial property usage
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Health and safety certificates
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Municipal approval, if required
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Payment of licensing fees and related taxes
Once submitted, your application is reviewed by the relevant authorities. Some businesses may be subject to inspection before approval is granted.
License Validity and Renewal
Alcohol licenses are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. If the business changes location, expands, or modifies its alcohol-related services, the license must be updated.
Operating with an expired or incorrect license can result in fines, suspension, or legal proceedings.
Compliance and Display
The license must be clearly displayed at the business premises and available during inspections. Authorities may conduct checks to confirm that all conditions are met.
Selling alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate license revocation.