Mauritius Liquor and Alcoholic Beverage License Renewal Notice

Official Notice on the Renewal of Liquor and Alcoholic Beverage Licences in Mauritius

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an important circular concerning the renewal process for licences related to the sale of beer, liquor, and other alcoholic products. This notice, identified under the code CommuniqueLiquor211221, aims to inform licence holders about the procedures, deadlines, and requirements for renewing their licences for the fiscal year 2022.

Scope and Applicability

This circular applies to all holders of licences issued under Part III of the Excise Act, including those operating in Rodrigues. These licences cover both wholesale and retail sales of beer, liquor, and alcoholic beverages. The notice is relevant for businesses involved in the sale of alcoholic products, whether they are established in Port Louis or other regions of Mauritius.

Key Provisions of the Renewal Process

Electronic Renewal via MRA Website

The Mauritius Revenue Authority has transitioned to an electronic renewal system to streamline applications and improve efficiency. Licence holders are instructed to access the online renewal platform through the official MRA website, www.mra.mu. This digital process replaces traditional manual submissions, aligning with the government’s push for digital government services.

Pre-requisites for Renewal

• Security Bond: Dealers involved in wholesale liquor and alcoholic products must ensure that they have furnished the MRA with a security bond prior to initiating the renewal process. This bond acts as a guarantee for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Payment of Licence Fees: Licence holders are encouraged to utilize the Direct Debit facility for the payment of renewal fees. Detailed instructions and procedures for setting up this payment method are available on the MRA website to facilitate a smooth transaction.

Deadline and Surcharge

All licence renewals must be completed by 14 January 2022. Licences renewed after this date will incur a surcharge of 50%, emphasizing the importance of timely renewal to avoid additional costs.

Procedural Instructions and Additional Information

To renew a licence online, licence holders should follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the MRA portal. These include logging into the secure e-services platform, verifying existing licence details, submitting the required security bond documentation, and authorizing payment via the Direct Debit system.

It is advisable for licence holders to prepare all necessary documents in advance, including proof of security bond and any previous licence certificates, to ensure a seamless renewal process. The MRA also recommends checking the portal regularly for any updates or notifications related to the renewal process.

Implications for Licence Holders

Failing to renew licences by the specified deadline may result in penalties, including the application of surcharges. Moreover, unrenewed licences could potentially lead to suspension or revocation of the right to sell alcoholic products, affecting business operations and compliance status.

In light of these provisions, licensees are urged to prioritize their renewal procedures and utilize the online platform to avoid unnecessary delays and costs. The MRA remains committed to facilitating a transparent and efficient licensing system aligned with national regulations and digital transformation initiatives.

Contact and Support

For further assistance or clarification regarding the renewal process, licence holders can contact the Mauritius Revenue Authority through their official communication channels. The MRA’s head office is located at Ehram Court, corner of Mgr. Gonin and Sir Virgil Naz Streets, Port Louis. Telephone: +230 207 6000; email: [email protected].

It is strongly recommended to consult the official MRA website for the most current information and detailed procedures related to the renewal of liquor and alcoholic beverage licences.