thailand
Ask question

Does my Thai girlfriend need a drinks license to sell beer at her cafe in Korat?

Thai Food CafeBeer LicenseAlcohol SalesKoratExpat AdviceThailand Business Regulations
Mar 12, 2024
9 months ago
Mar *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
This a question in “everything else” catagory. My Thai girlfriend (of 2 yrs) has a small thai food cafe in Korat. does she need to have a drink’s license to sell beer (just beer) she cut only offers water and some soda drinks. customers have ask for a beer occasionally. Her brother out in the sticks has a restaurant and says she doesn’t because it’s low volume and served with food, as it’s not a Bar as such?
5,454
views
10
likes
123
all likes
29
replies
1
images
18
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus is that your girlfriend does require a license to sell beer at her cafe in Korat, regardless of the volume sold or the fact that she also serves food. Although enforcement may vary by location, it is advisable to comply with the regulations and obtain the necessary alcohol license, which can typically be acquired from the local government office for a small fee.
Steve *******
License or not cannot legally sell if near a school or temple
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Erik ******
Which seems odd, as my local convenience store in the village directly across the road from a temple sells beer, rum, whiskey and vodka. 🤷‍♂️
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Erik ******
Reply
Vincent ********
Yes you need a license for food, a license for alcohol ( beer included ) and a license for smoking if you allowed that the customers smoke on your terrasse our outside places
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Mar *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone…. Now I’ve got the answers and yes she does… found the local office and will go tomorrow. 👍🏻🤪
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Manfred ********
Generally the law say you need a licence to sell any alcohol. Sometimes the police in the villages close the eyes if you sell a little bit. I think this is what her brother means. I would go for the correct way and get that licence. Its not expensive.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stevan ***********
My wife has small restaurant sell Thai food she was told she needed a license which was done on line and received within 2 days just to sell beer and whiskey
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Ronny **********
@Stevan **********
 On line ? Must be something new.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stevan ***********
@Ronny *********
 I don’t know but a Thai did it and it did not take long
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stevan ***********
Reply
Paul *************
It’s cheap and easy to get from the local government office.

I think it was
*****
baht for ours a few months ago.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
Was told it was only 500 baht for license
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Declan **********
Doesn't matter if she is selling 1 bottle a year or 100 bottles a day, selling alcohol requires a license regardless of the amount sold.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris ****
Alcohol have been taxed for 2,000 years. The grape is profitable.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jonathan *******
Yes she does require a licence to sell alcohol, no matter the volume
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ***********
100% yes licence for everything in Thailand lol
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Ronny **********
@Andrew **********
 Bath Bath🫰🫴🤝👍
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ***********
@Ronny *********
 yea it's Baht Baht haha for everything not sure about the bath haha
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Ronny **********
@Andrew **********
 Nothing is sure in amazing Thailand, exept Bath 😂
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ronny **********
Reply
Maple *********
*****************************************************************************************
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Duncan *******
Yes, a license is legally required, irrespective of whether food is sold or not. Whether it's always enforced is another matter. Check requirements with the local District office.

*************************************************
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
Yes she does there is a license for just beer and a license for all alcohol
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Ronny **********
@Michael *******
 weed too 😃
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ronny **********
Reply
Frank **********
She is Thai, why doesn't she ask the appropriate government office.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy *********
@Frank *********
 There's always one
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Mar *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
 To be honest she’s a bit thick 🤦🏻‍♂️😂😂😂😜
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Mar ****
 lol there's nothing like honesty
9 months ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Mar ****
 I just read this and you just made my day 😁 LOL
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Rick ********
@Mar ****
 All Thais are ‘a bit thick’ ☠️
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank **********
@Mar ****
 okay, I was just curious. Sorry I was so rude.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Mar *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
 don’t worry about it 👍🏻🤪
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mar *****
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Do I need a work permit for doing autographs for my business in Thailand?
13 comments
3 months ago
What are the visa and legal requirements for starting a coffee shop or restaurant in Thailand?
30 comments
4 months ago
Do I need a work permit to sell second-hand motorcycle parts in Thailand?
9 comments
5 months ago
Do I need a Non-B visa to work at my wife's business in Thailand?
18 comments
6 months ago
What permits and registration does my Thai girlfriend need for starting a beach boot camp in Thailand?
20 comments
7 months ago
How much do you pay for beer in different locations in Thailand?
45 comments
10 months ago
What are the requirements for a Polish citizen to open a restaurant in Ao Nang with a Thai partner?
29 comments
a year ago
What are the regulations regarding alcohol sales near temples in Thailand?
21 comments
a year ago
Do I need permission from my girlfriend to use her scooter in Thailand, and what documents do I need from immigration to buy a motorbike?
7 comments
2 years ago
What are the visa and investment requirements for starting a small business in Thailand as a foreigner?
42 comments
2 years ago
What can a farang legally do when operating a business with a Thai partner in Thailand?
33 comments
2 years ago
What are the options for a foreigner on a Non-O visa to work in a restaurant with a Thai spouse in Thailand?
9 comments
2 years ago
How can a small restaurant in Pattaya obtain SHA certification to sell alcohol legally?
11 comments
3 years ago
Is there currently an alcohol ban in Thailand?
59 comments
3 years ago
What visa can I get to help my girlfriend on her farm in Thailand without breaking immigration rules?
60 comments
3 years ago
Are bars closed and is there an alcohol ban in Thailand?
64 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a business in Khon Kaen under the Elite Visa in Thailand?
25 comments
4 years ago
What are the current restrictions regarding alcohol sales in Thailand during the pandemic?
14 comments
5 years ago
What Visa Should I Apply for to Live in Thailand While My Wife Runs a Bar?
12 comments
5 years ago
What type of visa do I need to invest in a restaurant in Thailand for my girlfriend?
40 comments
6 years ago
Can my friend's small food shop provide me with a B visa in Thailand?
16 comments
6 years ago
Can my uncle open a business in Thailand under his name with just a business license and tax file?
7 comments
7 years ago
Does my girlfriend living in Phuket need to go to Bangkok to sort her passport and visa?
6 comments
7 years ago
Can I get a B visa to stay in Thailand if I buy a bar but don’t want a work permit?
49 comments
7 years ago
Can a Thai national who cannot speak Thai open a restaurant in Bangkok and hire a foreign chef?
89 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.