The Commissioner > FAQs > Points of Sale

How can I get a tobacco and stamp outlet licence?

Outlet licences are issued through Public Tender Processes, which are published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). Information on the most recent tenders called.

Who calls the Public Tenders?

The Sub-Secretary of the Ministry of the Treasury, at the request of the Commission.

How are the tenders called?

Each tender process is governed by Bidding Conditions which set out the zone or area in which an outlet licence is up for tender, together with the requirements to be fulfilled by bidders, the assessment criteria and the documentation to be submitted.

Who long is an outlet licence granted for?

For 25 years.

Who can bid in the tender process?

Only individuals with the capacity to trade (not corporations or companies) who are nationals of a European Union Member State.

What other requirements must bidders fulfil?

Generally, bidders must have a premises in the designated area (owned, rented, leased, etc.); must not have been declared bankrupt or be under a suspension of payments arrangement; must not have any outstanding debt with Public Administration; must not have been found guilty, or be indicted or sanctioned for contraband; and must never have had a licence (outlet licence) or permit for a point of sale (POS) subject to surcharge revoked at any time.

When should the bid be submitted?

Within the term specified on each call for tender published in the BOE.

Can the same person have two or more outlet licences?

No. Neither can they have an outlet licence and a permit for a point of sale (POS) subject to surcharge.

Does the bidder have to live in the same area?

No. But they must live nearby.

Are bidders required to process their application for the outlet licence themselves directly?

Yes. Not withstanding assistance from subordinates.

What criteria is considered when assessing the bids?

The criteria specified in the Bidding Conditions, which can be summarised as follows:

• Distance from educational centres
• Distance from other licensed outlets
• Commercial interest of the proposed premises
• Characteristics of the premises (surface area, façade, etc,)
• Curriculum Vitae of the applicant

Are applicants required to pay any fees when submitting their bid?

Yes. The fee is based on the registered population of the municipal area in question. See the Fees section, under Tobacco and Stamp Outlet Licence Application (Tariff 2)

Do outlet licence holders have to pay any other charges?

Yes. There is also an annual charge which is calculated according to population and business volume figures.

What margins can a licence holder earn on the sales made at the outlet?

The following percentages, calculated on the retail price:

• 9% on cigar sales
• 8.5% on sales of all tobacco products, except cigars
• 4% on all stamp and franking products

From which suppliers must the outlet licence holder source supplies?

Always the authorised wholesalers.

Is displaying the official logo a mandatory requirement?

Yes. The logo consists of the letter T in red on a yellow tobacco leaf background and indicating the word "Tabacos" (or "Timbre" in the Canary Islands.

What are the opening hours for outlets?

Normal commercial opening hours for the area in question, which must respect the applicable legislation in force in each municipal area or Autonomous Community at all times.

Can the outlet premises be moved?

No, except in certain cases which require the authorisation of the Commission.

With which official body are formalities relating to Tobacco and Stamp Outlets processed?

With the Tobacco Market Commission