Licence Restaurant or Licence IV: Which is the best option for your establishment?
Are you planning to open a bar, restaurant or hotel and wondering what type of liquor license you need?
The restaurant license and the license IV are two common options, but they have important differences that it's essential to understand before making your choice.
What is a restaurant license?
The restaurant license is intended for establishments serving alcohol with a meal. There are two types of restaurant license:
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Small restaurant license
It authorizes the sale of beverages from the first 3 groups (wine, beer, cider, perry, mead, natural sweet wines) during meals.
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Restaurant license
It authorizes the sale of all alcoholic beverages authorized by French regulations during meals.
What is a licence IV?
Licence IV is the license authorizing the sale of all alcoholic beverages in groups 4 and 5 (distilled spirits, liqueurs, etc.) for consumption on the premises, with no obligation to serve food.
Key differences between a restaurant license and a license IV
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Temporality in service
The restaurant license authorizes the sale of alcohol only during meals, while with a license IV, alcohol can be sold at any time of day, in compliance with prefectoral decrees governing the opening and closing hours of on-premises drinking establishments.
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Cost and application procedures
The restaurant license is issued free of charge by the town hall or the Préfecture de Police in Paris (75) on presentation of the necessary supporting documents, whereas the license IV must be acquired and transferred to the desired premises.
What type of license should you choose for your project?
The choice between a licence restaurant and a licence IV depends on the nature of your establishment and your business model. If you want to open a traditional restaurant where alcohol is an accompaniment to the meal, a restaurant license may suffice.
On the other hand, if you're planning to open a bar, pub or other establishment where the sale of alcohol is the main activity, a Licence IV is essential.
Cabinet Licence 4: your n°1 partner for the purchase and transfer of IV licenses
Cabinet Licence 4 specializes in helping professionals acquire and transfer licenses IV.
We offer a turnkey service to help you bring your project to fruition in the best possible conditions.
