Do you want to sell liquor at your restaurant in Panama?

Do you want to sell liquor at your restaurant in Panama? In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to sell liquor in your restaurant in Panama.

If you don't know how to do it, or where to go: to the Mayor's Office, the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Commerce, this post will be of great help.

The first step is the incorporation of your company in Panama.

Offering liquor for sale in your establishment can mean a great advantage and growth for your business, so once incorporated your company in Panama you can apply for a permit to dispense alcoholic beverages.

Once you have incorporated your operating company in Panama and maintain a properly equipped and designed facility in accordance with the standards established by the Ministry of Health of Panama, you can start the process to apply for a liquor sales permit in your establishment, here we will tell you everything you need to know about it:

How to apply for a liquor permit in Panama?

Any business wishing to sell alcoholic beverages in the District of Panama, whether wholesale or retail, will require a prior report approved by the Mayor of the District by means of a Resolution. In addition to the Resolution, the Mayor will also issue a Certificate of Approval for the sale of alcoholic beverages on the premises.

What are the requirements for the sale of liquor in Panama?

To apply for this permit you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the application form
2. Submit a memorial addressed to the mayor in which the
   complete address of the establishment, name of the applicant, telephone number, e-mail address, among other information, must be included.
3. Copy of the applicant's identity card (duly Authenticated). In the case of a legal entity, a copy of the legal representative's identity card must be submitted.
4. Certificate of the Public Registry in original (If a copy is presented, it must be authenticated by a Notary Public).
5. Collated copy of the Notice of Operation of the establishment.
6. Sketch with the location of the premises.
7. Photos of the establishment.
8. Certificate of good standing (Paz y Salvo) issued by the Municipality of Panama.
9. Inspection form and proof of payment of the inspection fee. 
10. Affidavit of compliance with noise mitigation standards (Agreement 141 of September 23, 2014).

Ref: Mayoral Decree No. 30-2015 of August 17, 2015. Which dictates provisions on the prior favorable report and the night permit for establishments engaged in the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages.

What does the law say about the law regarding the sale of liquor in Panama?

•  Law No. 55 of July 10, 1973 (amended by Law 54 of September 13, 2013), regulates the operation of establishments engaged in activities related to the dispensing of alcoholic beverages.

In the case of those premises that are listed as restaurants and cafeterias, a notice of operation must be requested in the Panama Emprende System , this notice is constituted by means of an Affidavit; after this, the Sole Right is issued to exercise the activity of liquor dispensing in your business.

• The Sole Right requires a payment to the National Treasury which is distributed to the Junta Comunal of the township where the facility operates.
• If your premises are located in the districts of Panama, Colon, David or San Miguelito, the applicable Sole Right payment will be $600.00 dollars.
• If the location is in any other district of the country, the Sole Right will have a cost of US$300.00.

Until what time are liquor sales permits allowed in Panama?

The liquor permit applies to premises that will remain open until 12:00 am, in case you wish to extend the hours of your establishment you must request the extension before the Municipality of Panama which is granted through a resolution signed by the District Mayor.

Are there any restrictions established by law for the sale of alcohol in Panama?

If your premises will offer alcoholic beverages in open containers to accompany food, it is likely that the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, before issuing the confirmation of the Notice of Operation, will proceed to verify that it complies with the restrictions established by law to be able to dispense alcoholic beverages.

On the other hand, you must declare in the Panama Emprende System that within the commercial activities the sale of alcoholic beverages is not the main activity of the business. This statement is part of the Affidavit required for the Notice of Operation application.

Once you obtain such a permit, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the competent public authorities may verify that your establishment complies with the declaration provided at the time of requesting the Notice of Operation.

If you would like us to advise you and accompany you in the process of applying for your alcoholic beverage permit for your premises, Request information and we will gladly answer all your questions. You can also write to us at:

info@legalsolutionspanama.com