Alcohol Licence Fees Double for Operators in 2026

Alcohol retailers, distributors, and wholesalers are facing a sharp increase in operational costs this year as licensing fees have officially doubled under new fiscal measures. Effective immediately, the cost for an alcohol permit has seen a 100% increase, with rates now ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000.

This is a significant jump from the Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000 price bracket seen in January 2025.

The hike, sanctioned by the Finance Act 2025, applies across all eleven existing permit categories.

New Tariff Grid and Compliance

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has published a revised tariff schedule online, urging sector operators to settle these higher amounts at the start of the 2026 calendar year.

The amendments to the Finance Act 2025-2026 solidify this upward revision, requiring all permit holders to pay twice the previous amount for their annual renewals.

Beyond the financial adjustments, the authorities have clarified specific compliance requirements for the hospitality and gaming sectors:

• Restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs, and gaming houses must hold a valid Tourist Enterprise Licence or a Tourist Accommodation Certificate.
• These documents must be issued by the Tourism Authority to ensure operations are fully regularised.

Wholesale Regulations and Deadlines

Wholesale operators registered as “Dealers in Liquor and Alcoholic Products” face additional administrative steps.

These dealers must provide the MRA with a required security bond before they can access online payment facilities for their licence renewals.

Business owners are further warned of a looming deadline. The MRA has confirmed that any licence renewed after Wednesday, 14 January 2026, will be subject to a 50% surcharge.

Source: Le Mauricien