Overview
MCC 5921 covers retail stores selling alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption including beer, wine, spirits, and related products. This includes off-licences, bottle shops, wine merchants, and specialty alcohol retailers.
Transaction Profile
Low to mid value, moderate to high frequency, card-present dominant in retail, card-not-present for online ordering and subscriptions, seasonal peaks around holidays
Card Network Notes
Standard interchange applies. Age verification compliance is the merchant's responsibility. Online alcohol sales must comply with delivery verification requirements.
Risk & Compliance
Medium risk. Age verification is mandatory at point of sale in all jurisdictions. Online alcohol delivery requires age verification on delivery. Regulatory requirements vary significantly by market and include licensing, trading hours, and promotional restrictions.