Granting Licenses to Riba Banks or Liquor Establishments: Between Prohibition and Permissibility

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, you mentioned in a previous lesson that granting licenses to houses of prostitution and issuing health certificates to those who practice prostitution is a form of declaring the haram permissible. You also mentioned in another lesson that declaring the haram permissible requires a statement and does not occur through action alone. What is the difference between these people and those who grant licenses to riba (usury or interest) banks, liquor establishments, cinemas, and dance halls?

Answer:
I do not recall saying that granting licenses and such matters are [declaring the haram permissible]. I do not remember saying that. If the one who grants the licenses declares it permissible, saying, "This does not contradict [the law], it is halal, so I will grant him a license because it is halal," that is kufr (disbelief). But merely granting licenses without declaring them permissible is certainly a mistake and assisting in falsehood, but we do not say that mere licensing is kufr immediately. One must look into this matter in detail. Yes.