Existing restaurants to obtain restaurant license from G2C system

… License renewal and fee costs Nu 3,000 to Nu 15,000

Lifting the moratorium on bar license, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) directs all existing restaurants wishing to serve wine and liquor should transfer or obtain restaurant license from G2C system.

A provision in the rules and regulations for operation of restaurant and retail wine and liquor business (2022) state: “All existing restaurants with Cottage Scale Registration Certificate wishing to serve wine and liquor should transfer or obtain restaurant license from G2C system (www.citizenservices.gov.bt) within December 30, 2022.”

Depending on locations, the license and renewal fee ranges between Nu 3,000 to Nu 15,000.

The maximum is Nu 15,000 for locations within the demarcated Class A Thromde including Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

It is Nu 7,000 for location within the demarcated urban core of other dzongkhags or yenlag throms, and retail wine and liquor outlets and shops.

For all other areas, it is Nu 3,000.

Earlier, irrespective of location, the restaurant license and renewal fee were Nu 500.

Meanwhile, the new regulations direct restaurants to sell liquors only after 1 PM.

Hotels can avail themselves a restaurant license to sell wine, and liquors.

Allowing sale of wine and liquor, the rules and regulations for operation of restaurant and retail wine and liquor business (2022) came in effect from June 1, 2022.

Additionally, restaurants are not prohibited to be attached to or combined with a grocery, general shop and other trading activity. And, places of entertainment shall provide restaurant services as per the rules and regulations for the places of entertainment (2022).

The rules and regulations also state, if any license holder who was imposed fine for any offence under these rules and regulations commits the same offence again, the restaurant, wine and liquor license shall be cancelled for three years.

Meanwhile, the rules and regulations still observes dry day on all Tuesdays.

The National Assembly of Bhutan during the sixth session of the third parliament passed a resolution on December 9, 2021 to lift the moratorium on bar and retail wine and liquor licensing.