Official Notice: Renewal of Licences for the Sale of Beer, Liquor, and Alcoholic Products in Mauritius
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued a formal communication regarding the renewal process for licences related to the wholesale and retail sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer, liquor, and other alcoholic products. This notice, dated 13 December 2022, provides essential guidance for licence holders to ensure compliance with statutory requirements for the upcoming fiscal year 2023.
Scope and Applicability of the Notice
This notice applies to all individuals and entities holding licences issued under Part III of the Excise Act for the sale of:
- Beer and alcoholic beverages
- Liquor and other alcoholic products
It covers both wholesale and retail licence holders, including those operating in Rodrigues. The primary purpose is to inform licensees of the procedures for renewing their licences electronically for the year 2023, thereby facilitating a streamlined, digital renewal process aligned with the government’s push towards e-governance and digital services.
Procedures for Licence Renewal
Online Renewal Platform
Licence holders are instructed to access the renewal facility via the official Mauritius Revenue Authority website: www.mra.mu. The online platform offers a user-friendly interface to complete the renewal process, ensuring efficiency and convenience.
Pre-requisites for Renewal
- Security Bond: Liquor and alcoholic beverage dealers engaging in wholesale must have previously submitted a security bond to the MRA. This requirement must be fulfilled before initiating the renewal process online.
- Payment Method: The MRA encourages licensees to utilize the Direct Debit facility for the payment of renewal fees. Clear instructions and procedures for setting up this payment option are available on the MRA website.
Important Deadlines and Surcharges
To avoid additional charges, license renewals must be completed by 16 January 2023. Any renewal applications submitted after this date will incur a surcharge of 50% on the standard fee. This measure aims to promote timely compliance among licensees and ensure continuous legal operation of their businesses.
Implications for Licence Holders
This initiative underscores the Mauritian authorities’ commitment to digital transformation in administrative procedures. By enabling online renewal, the MRA reduces the need for physical visits to offices, minimizes processing times, and enhances overall compliance management.
Licensees are advised to review the detailed instructions available on the MRA website to ensure correct submission of their renewal applications. It is also recommended to verify that all pre-requisites, such as security bonds and bank arrangements for direct debit, are in place before initiating the renewal process.
Contact and Support
For further assistance or clarification, licensees can contact the MRA head office at Ehram Court, located at the corner of Mgr. Gonin and Sir Virgil Naz Streets, Port Louis. Communication channels include telephone (+230 207 6000), fax (+230 211 8099), or email (headoffice@mra.mu). Additional information and updates are regularly posted on the official MRA website.
This notice serves as an official reminder for licence holders to undertake their renewal procedures promptly and in accordance with the legal requirements set forth by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, thereby ensuring their continued lawful operation in the alcoholic beverages sector for the upcoming year.
