The federal government will require coffee shops selling beer to apply for a new licence from January 1st, according to Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association president Keu Kok Meng.

Keu said businesses were surprised by the sudden imposition of the licensing requirement.

He was among those called in for a briefing by the Customs Department last month to inform them of the decision.

Annual licence fees between RM840 and RM1,320 will be charged to the businesses depending on operation hours.