Do I need a permit to sell alcohol at my restaurant in Mexico, and how long does it take?

Selling beer and wine in a restaurant in Mexico requires specific permits, the scope of which depends on the applicable state and municipal regulatory framework. It is not a single authorization, but rather an integrated compliance process.

In general terms, lawful operation involves:
- Alcohol sales license, classified according to the restaurant’s business activity.
- Municipal operating license, linked to approved land use.
- Technical clearances and approvals (Civil Protection, Health, among others), depending on local regulations.
- Proper tax structuring, aligned with the business model.

When the project is legally viable and the file is properly structured from the outset, the process typically takes between 4 and 10 weeks, depending on the city and the authorities’ administrative workload.
Costs vary by municipality and license type. The key differentiator is the legal strategy, which helps prevent observations, delays, and contingencies that often increase overall costs.

At IBG Legal, we advise domestic and international clients on the opening and operation of restaurants and commercial projects, with a preventive and strategic approach.
Our support includes:
- Assessment of the property’s legal viability
- Correct definition of the required license from the start
- Integration and follow-up of the regulatory file before authorities
- Ongoing guidance through permit approval and operational launch

We would be glad to review your specific project and provide a clear roadmap, realistic timelines, and defined costs, aligned with a formal and risk-free operation.

We remain at your disposal.

Hello,

My name is Lic. Miguel Centeno Silva. Congratulations on your new business venture.

Opening a restaurant with alcohol service in Mexico is a profitable move, but it requires navigating a specific bureaucratic process. The regulations for selling alcohol (Beer & Wine) are strictly local (Municipal and State level), so requirements change depending on the city.

However, here is the Standard Legal Framework applicable across Mexico that you must prepare for:

1. The License Type Matters We need to apply specifically for a "Restaurant License with Accessory Sale of Alcohol" (only with food). This is legally distinct from a Bar license. The Restaurant license is significantly cheaper and easier to obtain than a Bar permit.

2. Essential Documents & Prerequisites Before applying for the Alcohol License, you must have:

- Land Use Permit (Uso de Suelo): The specific location must be zoned for commercial use with alcohol service. This is the most critical document.
- Civil Protection Approval (Visto Bueno de Protección Civil): Safety inspection certification.
- Health License (Aviso de Funcionamiento COFEPRIS).
- Lease Agreement and your Tax ID (RFC).

3. Timeline & Costs

- Timeline: Obtaining the full Alcohol License typically takes between 2 to 5 months, depending on the municipality. However, in many jurisdictions, we can obtain a Provisional Permit to let you open sooner while the final one is processing.
- Costs: Government fees vary wildly by zone (from 15,000 MXN in small towns to over 100,000 MXN in high-end zones of Mexico City or tourist beach areas).

Next Step: To give you an accurate roadmap and a quote for our management services, I need to know:

1) In which City and Neighborhood (Colonia) is the restaurant located?
2) Do you already have the lease agreement for the premises?

I look forward to your reply to help you open your doors legally.

Best regards,