Retail
If distilled spirits are sold in a shop, served in a restaurant, sold online or sold on the street, a retail licence is required.
Retail licence
A retail licence is required for the sale of distilled spirits in accordance with Article 41a of the Alcohol Act (AlkG; SR 680) (avilable in German, French and Italian). This licence must be applied for from the competent canton in which the trade is carried out. A list of the authorities that issue licences for the retail trade can be found below under Further information.
The competent canton also provides information on the sale of alcohol from private individuals to private individuals, for example, the quantity above which a retail licence is required.
Special trade tax
According to Article 41(1) of the Alcohol Act, a licence from the cantonal authority is required for the retail sale of spirits within the canton. Each sales outlet requires its own retail licence.
Furthermore, the respective cantonal licence fees and special trade taxes are derived from these licences.
A cantonal overview of the special trade tax (available in German, French and Italian) can be found on the FOPH website.
Advertising regulations
Advertising for spirits is heavily regulated. For example, so-called ‘happy hours’ or price comparisons are not permitted for spirits. ((Article 42b Alcohol Act (AlkG; SR 680) available in German, French and Italian).
Further information on this can be found under Advertising.
Further information
Contact Alcohol Sector
Route de la Mandchourie 25
2800 Delémont