Analysis of a selection of 30 countries with licensing systems showed that the most common feature was categorizing the types of outlets and alcohol sold. Countries prohibit alcohol sales at some locations, commonly at educational premises, health facilities, houses of worship and sport sites. Fewer countries establish a minimum required distance between alcohol outlets and sensitive locations, such as alcohol treatment centres and houses of worship. Required distances ranged between 100 and 500 metres. Only a few countries have an alcohol outlet density policy that establishes a population quota with varying thresholds of one outlet for every 300, 450, 600 or 1000 inhabitants. Only one third of countries regulated the days of sale, and more than half restrict the hours of sale. Licensing renewals are commonly set at one-year intervals, with 40% of countries including instructions for communities on how to protest during the application and renewal phase. The most common minimum legal purchase age is 18 years. Remote sale and delivery of alcohol is largely unregulated. Only a few countries require age verification at the point of sale or delivery. Fines are the most common implemented penalty. Other penalties include administrative points and suspending or cancelling the licence and reducing hours.