How to Get an Alcohol Licence for Your Coffee Shop In Ireland

Introducing alcohol to your coffee shop’s menu can be a fantastic way to enhance the customer experience, attract a broader clientele, and boost your revenue. Whether you’re looking to offer a glass of wine with dessert or serve craft beers in the evening, obtaining the correct alcohol licence is a crucial first step.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get an alcohol licence for your coffee shop in Ireland – what type of licence you need, how to apply, and the key regulations to follow.

How to Get an Alcohol Licence for Your Coffee Shop In Ireland

1. Choose the Right Type of Alcohol Licence

In Ireland, coffee shops typically apply for one of the following two alcohol licences:

Wine Retailer’s On Licence
This licence allows you to sell wine and other fermented beverages (such as beer and cider) with an alcohol content below 23% ABV, to be consumed on the premises. It’s a popular choice for coffee shops looking to complement their menu with wine or beer.

Special Restaurant Licence
This licence permits the sale of all types of alcohol – but only when served alongside a substantial meal. It’s best suited to cafés that offer full dining services beyond light snacks and beverages.

2. Check Your Business Eligibility

Before applying, ensure your coffee shop meets the following criteria:

• Your premises must be registered as a food service establishment.
• You must comply with all planning, health, and safety regulations.
• Non-alcoholic drinks, including drinking water, must be available to customers.

3. Prepare the Required Documentation

You’ll need to gather and submit several documents as part of your application, including:

• Proof of business registration
• A valid tax clearance certificate
• Evidence that your premises complies with planning and safety standards

Having these documents ready will help streamline the process.

4. Submit Your Application

Alcohol licence applications in Ireland are managed by the National Excise Licence Office (NELO), under the Revenue Commissioners. Here’s how to apply:

• Download and complete the application form from Revenue.ie.
• Attach all required supporting documents.
• Pay the relevant fee.

Current Licence fees (May 2025):

• Wine Retailer’s On Licence: €500 annually
• Special Restaurant Licence: Fee varies based on conditions and premises

5. Understand and Follow Licensing Laws

Once your licence is approved, you must adhere to Irish alcohol regulations, which include:

• Clearly displaying your alcohol licence within your premises
• Serving alcohol only within permitted hours
• Complying with responsible service laws, including strict age verification

These rules are in place to promote safe and responsible alcohol consumption.

6. Renew Your Licence Annually

Alcohol licences in Ireland are valid from 1st October to 30th September of the following year. Be sure to renew your licence annually to maintain compliance and continue serving alcohol legally.

Helpful Resources

For more information on alcohol licensing in Ireland, refer to:

• Revenue Commissioners – Excise and Licensing
• Point of Single Contact Ireland – Business regulation information for operating in Ireland

Final Thoughts

Adding alcohol to your coffee shop’s offering can create a welcoming, versatile atmosphere that appeals to a wider range of customers. By choosing the correct alcohol licence and following all regulatory requirements, you can serve responsibly while expanding your business.

Need help managing alcohol sales in your coffee shop?

At Retail Solutions, we provide expert advice and cutting edge EPOS systems tailored for coffee shops and café businesses across Ireland.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your business with smart, compliant retail technology.

Who are we?

Retail Solutions is a market-leading EPOS provider with over 25 years of business experience. Our leading sectors are coffee shops, off licences, forecourts, convenience stores, supermarkets and pharmacies.

We are dedicated to providing your store with the most up to date and reliable point of sale hardware, along with software management tools to help you manage your business effectively.

Our self-checkout partners are NCR, who are global leaders in self-checkout technology.

About the author:

Susan McGuire is originally from London, United Kingdom, and has now lived in Galway, Ireland, for 17 years. She has been with Retail Solutions for 9 of those, and during that time has enjoyed various roles within the areas of Maintenance, Finance, & Marketing. You can follow her on LinkedIn!