Publication date: 24.06.2025
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Alcohol Sales in Warsaw: A Case of Successful Licensing for a Grocery Store
Retail sale of alcoholic beverages in Poland is strictly regulated by state and municipal authorities. Obtaining the appropriate licenses requires precise compliance with local zoning, taxation, and sanitary standards. Olena Нlukha served as the key legal advisor in the opening of a new grocery store in Warsaw, helping the business owner legally obtain licenses to sell beer, wine, and spirits. Thanks to her work, the store was legally operational just two weeks after submitting the documentation.
Case Context
An entrepreneur from Ukraine opened a small grocery store in a residential district of Warsaw. The business model relied on offering a full assortment of goods — including alcoholic beverages — to ensure consistent revenue. The client approached Olena Нlukha for legal support in obtaining all necessary alcohol licenses. The timeframe was tight, as the store was already prepared for opening and needed to begin operations without delays.
Legal Support Stages
1. Initial Consultation and Strategy
- Explained the legal distinctions between licenses for beer, wine, and spirits (each requires a separate application)
- Prepared a full checklist of required documents: extract from the business registry, lease agreement, sanitary clearance
- Analyzed store location for compliance with local distance requirements from schools and places of worship
2. Document Preparation and Liaison with Municipality
- Drafted and submitted three separate applications for each type of alcoholic beverage to the Warsaw City Hall
- Assisted in payment of administrative fees according to 2025 tariffs
- Conducted written correspondence with the trade department to expedite application processing
3. Premises Compliance Check
- Reviewed lease agreement to confirm exclusive usage rights
- Verified commercial designation of the premises in the local land-use register
- Obtained a formal opinion from the sanitary inspection confirming compliance with storage and sales requirements for alcohol
4. Legal Support After License Issuance
- Delivered a briefing on legal obligations in alcohol retail (hours of sale, prohibition of sales to minors, etc.)
- Provided a sales logbook template to ensure readiness for municipal inspections
- Offered guidance on license renewal procedures for 2026 and how to avoid fines or administrative penalties
Outcome
- All three licenses (beer, wine, spirits) were issued within 14 calendar days
- The store was legally opened and registered as an official point of sale for alcohol
- The business quickly built a steady customer base, including local residents and visiting tourists
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Are separate licenses required for different types of alcohol?
Answer
Yes. In Poland, separate licenses must be obtained for beer, wine, and spirits. Each application is submitted independently with its own requirements.
Question
How long does the licensing process take?
Answer
Depending on the municipality, the average processing time is 10–21 days after submitting a complete application. In this case, all permits were issued in just 14 days.
Question
What happens if alcohol is sold without a license?
Answer
Unauthorized sale of alcohol is a legal offense in Poland. It may lead to financial penalties, confiscation of stock, and disqualification from future license eligibility.
Thanks to the precise and timely legal assistance provided by Olena Нlukha, the client successfully obtained all necessary alcohol sales licenses in record time. The store opened legally, with full compliance, and immediately began serving the local community. This case exemplifies efficient administrative navigation in a new legal environment and highlights the value of professional legal counsel in cross-border business setup.
