Obtaining a License to sell Liquor in a restaurant in Poland

My questions seems like it may be a little difficult to answer and if anyone could provide an answer or assistance to this it would be greatly appreciated.

First I must inform you that I am not currently living in Poland, so I am unaware of what the laws are regarding a liquor license. I will be moving to Warsaw in approximately 8-9 months and am trying to educate myself as much as possible.

A business partner of mine has recently opened a restaurant in Warsaw and has not been granted a liquor license. The reason for this is due to tenants that live above the restaurant. Apparently the tenants have complained to some governing body and his application for a license was rejected.

The type of restaurant is by no means comparable to a Cinnamon, Piekarnia, or Enclava. It is a proper restaurant not a club. Furthermore it is in an area where there are other restaurants whom we think have liquor licenses, although cannot say for sure. The location is absolutely ideal for restaurant goers. But it seems he can't get a license.

Does anyone know what the process is for obtaining a liquor license is?

Thanks and any replies are much appreciated
roalex

The question is if some of the tenants really complained about it? Hmm - perhaps a Polish politician would help for some extra money..

Interesting response. How does one get in cahoots with a Polish politician these days. The restaurant is about 75 meters away from the Presidential Palace. I guess he should give a knock on the door.

oh, c'mon.... there must be some legal way. I'll try to search for info when I have some time. But for sure there are places on this area having alcohol license - so it is somehow possible.

Sorry, it's just city officials' decision at discretion- they sometimes hearing local citizens

Just an update we confirmed that there are other restaurants in the area with liquor licenses. The restaurant is in a great area and should be given a license. I really don't know what to do anymore. Anymore advice would be great.

A brown envelope with some cash in it I'd imagine, you really are up against it if your partner is a foreigner too and you don't know someone on the inside to sweeten up. They won't see the bigger picture that approving a licence means more VAT income for the government etc.

If you do get the licence then don't dare file your paper work late, the Warsaw Tortilla Factory lost their licence a couple of years back for six months as a punishment for submitting their licence renewal a day late. You would have though a slap on the wrists would have sufficed.

Where about exactly is your restaurant so i can suss out which one is it ?

The restaurant is LE MARCHE PODRÓŻE KULINARNE ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 11

You want get a license If the place is too close to a school or a curch or in the same building some people live in If they complain.