License 4, also called “grande licence”, is an essential authorization to operate an alcoholic beverage outlet in France. This license allows the sale of all categories of alcohol, including spirits. Before embarking on the adventure, it is essential to understand the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining this precious authorization.What is a license 4 and who must obtain it?
License 4 is the
essential sesame for any establishment wishing to offer a full range of alcoholic beverages to its customers. It is mainly intended for: Bars and pubs
- Restaurants with alcohol service
- Nightclubs
- Certain hotels
- This authorization is
mandatory to sell alcoholic beverages to be consumed on site . It allows all categories of alcohol to be offered, from wine to spirits, beer and cocktails. License 4 is valid for a period of10 years, after which it must be renewed. It is imperative to note that obtaining this license requires meeting certain conditions, including: Being of legal age and having legal capacityNot having a conviction for certain offenses
Following mandatory training
- Making a declaration at the town hall
- Compliance with these conditions is essential, because
- failure to comply with the regulations may result in the cancellation of the license
- .
How much does a license 4 cost? The price of a license 4 can vary considerably depending on several factors. On average,the cost ranges between €7,500 and €8,000 in France
. However, this amount can climb to €50,000 in large cities where demand is particularly high.
Here is a summary table of the average costs associated with the 4 license: ElementAverage cost
License 4 (purchase price)
| 7,500€ – 8,000€ | Initial training (2-3 days) |
|---|---|
| 300€ – 500€ | License renewal (7 hours) |
| 100€ – 300€ | The factors influencing the price of the 4 license are: |
| The | geographical location |
: tourist areas or larger cities tend to have higher prices
- There demand in the region : the stronger the competition, the higher the prices rise
- L’ specific location of the establishment: a bar located in a lively area will be more valued
- It is important to note that these costs do not include ancillary costs linked to opening an establishment, such as rent, fitting out or inventory.License price 4: how much does the authorization to operate an alcoholic beverage outlet cost? Procedures for obtaining a license 4
Obtaining a 4 license requires following a well-defined process. Here are the main steps:
: This training, lasting 2 to 3 days, costs between €300 and €500. It covers the legal and practical aspects of the sale of alcohol.
Obtain the operating license
- : At the end of the training, you will receive a license valid for 10 years. Make a declaration at town hall
- : This administrative step is crucial to legalize your activity. Acquire the license
- : You can either purchase an existing license or obtain a new one (in the rare cases where it is still possible). It is imperative to note that the
- transfer of a license 4 to another establishment is possible , but subject to certain conditions. This option can be interesting for entrepreneurs wishing to relocate their activity.
Financing and license renewal 4 Faced with the significant costs associated with obtaining a license 4, there are financing possibilities. Certain organizations can provide financial assistance under conditions:Job Center
AGEFICE (Association for Managing the Financing of Training for Business Managers)
The FAFCEA (Training Insurance Fund for Artisanal Business Managers)
- It is essential to note that
- the training is not eligible for financing by the Personal Training Account (CPF)
- . It is therefore necessary to explore other financing options.
Regarding renewal, it is mandatory every 10 years. This process involves: 7-hour refresher trainingA cost between €100 and €300
A new declaration at town hall
- Renewal is a crucial step for
- maintain the validity of the license and continue to practice legally
- . It also allows you to stay up to date on regulatory developments in the sector.
Finally, obtaining a 4 license represents a significant investment, both financially and in terms of the steps to be taken. However, it opens the door to many opportunities in the catering and drinking establishment sector. Careful planning and a good understanding of costs and processes are essential to succeed in this business.