The Ministry of Home Affairs will propose to relevant government bodies and formulate a systematic plan to effectively take action against illegal excise licences, unlicensed establishments and Impersonating shops holding a copy of a licence, said Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Min Thu.
On the eighth day of the second regular session of the third Pyithu Hluttaw held on 15 June, the Deputy Minister responded to a question raised by Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Tin Myint, asking whether there was a plan to effectively take action on the ground against illegal liquor licenses in Myanmar.
U Tin Myint pointed out that unlicensed liquor shops and impersonating shops are being operated in wards and villages. Although authorities are conducting inspections and taking action, law enforcement remains weak.
“Despite ongoing legal actions, illegal transfers and impersonation operations are still happening along with the collusion of corrupt officials. Therefore, I hereby asked a follow-up question about whether there is a plan to take effective action and to address illegal liquor licences in a more systematic regulatory approach,” he said.
Over 9,700 excise licences have been issued in the Yangon Region so far, and more than 40,000 licences have been issued nationwide.
The deputy minister clarified that the Myanmar Police Force has been inspecting and taking action against licit and unpermitted activities such as distribution, sale, and production of liquor without a valid licence, while those involved in unlicensed possession and dealing are prosecuted in the courts and face penalties.
As per the ministry’s announcement, a total of 1,597 field inspections related to excise licences were conducted between January and April 2026, apprehending 216 individuals in 123 cases.
The ministry is currently acting on the tip-off. The public can file complaints regarding unlicensed or illegal liquor sales and activities. The authorities will take effective enforcement action by investigating these tip-offs, the Deputy Minister said.
Myanmar Excise Law, consisting of 18 Chapters, was enacted in March 2026, imposing strict rules on the production, distribution, advertising and sale of liquor.
TWA/KK
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