Liquor Licensing Bye-Law 2016
Regulation and control of the sale of liquor within Bwari Area Council jurisdiction
Liquor Licensing Bye-Law — No. 22 of 2016
Part XXIII — Bwari Area Council FCT Abuja, NigeriaPursuant to the provisions of Section 7 and the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, and other relevant sections of the Local Government Act, Laws of FCT Abuja 2006 and all other laws enabling it in that behalf, the Bwari Area Council hereby makes the following Bye-Law.
As from the commencement of these Bye-Laws, no person shall carry out the sale of liquor without a license issued by the Bwari Area Council for that purpose.
Types of Liquor Licenses
Section 2 — Eight License CategoriesThe following descriptions of licenses may be granted by the Area Council:
A license granted under this law shall not be transferred to a third party. Such license shall be surrendered to the Area Council if the holder winds up business.
Permitted Hours of Sale
Section 9 — Authorized Trading HoursThe hours during which liquor may be sold under Tavern, Wine and Beer, Hotel, General Wholesale, and General Retail licenses shall be between 8:00am and 12 midnight on any day.
- Liquor may be sold under a hotel license to persons sleeping on the premises to be consumed thereon, on any day and at any hour.
- Liquor may be sold under a club liquor license to club members on any day and at any hour.
- A wine and beer on-license and wine and beer off-license shall not authorize the sale of wine or beer containing more than twenty percent (20%) of pure alcohol.
Prohibited Areas for Liquor Sale
Section 12 — Restricted LocationsAll alcoholic drinks of any description are prohibited for sale in the following areas:
Offences & Penalties
Sections 14–16 — Fines and ImprisonmentSelling Without a License
A person shall not sell liquor unless he holds a valid license issued under these Bye-Laws, nor shall he sell liquor at any place except that at which the license authorizes sale.
Penalty: Contravention is an offence liable on conviction to a fine of ₦100,000.00.
Other Prohibited Conduct
A license holder who permits drunkenness, sells to intoxicated persons, sells to children under 16, sells to uniformed officers on duty, permits the premises to be used as a brothel, or obstructs authorized inspectors is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of ₦100,000.00 or six months imprisonment.
Impersonation and False Representation
Any person who falsely represents himself to remain on licensed premises beyond 10pm or obtain liquor during prohibited hours shall be liable on conviction to a fine of ₦50,000.00.
First Schedule — License Fees
Annual License Fees by Category (₦)| S/N | Description | Large (A) | Medium (B) | Small (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wholesale Liquor | 200,000 | 100,000 | 50,000 |
| 2 | Depot (Beer) | 500,000 | 250,000 | 150,000 |
| 3 | Departmental/Super Store Liquor | 200,000 | 100,000 | 50,000 |
| 4 | Supermarket/Shop | 50,000 | 20,000 | 15,000 |
| 5 | Restaurant Liquor | 20,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| 6 | Hotels | 500,000 | 200,000 | 70,000 |
| 7 | Beer Parlor | 20,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| 8 | Native Liquor | 1,500 | 500 | 100 |
| 9 | Club Liquor | 150,000 | 100,000 | 50,000 |
Interpretation
Key Definitions under this Bye-LawCitation & Commencement
Operational Date — 5th January, 2016This Bye-Law may be cited as the Liquor Licensing Bye-Law and shall commence on the 5th day of January, 2016. These Bye-Laws shall apply to all persons within the geographical sphere of the Bwari Area Council.
DULY passed by the Bwari Area Council Legislative Arm.
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