Branching Out into Alcohol Sales: What Hospitality & Retail Businesses Need to Know

If you’re running a hospitality or retail business and considering adding alcohol sales to your offering, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the legal, operational, and practical steps involved.

1. Legal Requirements

To sell alcohol in England and Wales, you’ll need two key Licences:

Premises Licence: Authorises a specific location to sell alcohol and conduct other licensable activities (e.g. alcohol sales, entertainment, late-night refreshments etc).

Personal Licence: Held by an individual who supervises alcohol sales. Every licensed premises must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a Personal Licence.

You must also:

• Be over 18 to apply as an individual or be a business entity e.g. Limited Company
• Ensure alcohol is sold responsibly and in line with licensing objectives (e.g. preventing crime, protecting children etc).

2. Application Processes…

Premises Licence:  You apply through your local council. You’ll need…

• A detailed plan of your premises.
• An operating schedule (what you’ll do, when you’ll do it and how you’ll be doing it).
• DPS details.
• Application fee (based on rateable value of your premises and ranges from £100 to £1,905).

A 28-day public consultation follows, during which objections may be raised by the ‘responsible authorities’ e.g. Police, Environmental Health etc OR the public.

Personal Licence:  You apply via the council WHERE YOU LIVE (not work). You must…

• Be 18+.
• Hold an accredited qualification (e.g. Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders).
• Provide a criminal record check and proof of right to work in the UK.

3. Operational Considerations:

Staff Training: Ensure staff understand age restrictions, responsible service, and how to check ID.

Weights & Measures: Alcohol must be served in legally defined quantities using government-stamped equipment (e.g. 25ml for spirits, 125ml/175ml for wine).

Pricing Transparency: Clearly display prices, quantities, and any service charges to avoid breaching consumer law.

Supplier Compliance: Only buy alcohol from HMRC-approved wholesalers under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS).

4. Temporary Options:

If you’re testing alcohol sales or hosting a one-off event, you’d use a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).

Limits: Up to 499 people, max 15 events/year at any one particular location.

If you hold a Personal Licence, you can apply for 50 per year.  If not, you are limited to 5 per year.

5. Risks of Non-Compliance:

Selling alcohol without the proper licence is a criminal offence, attracting unlimited fines and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.

6. Next Steps:

✅ Identify your DPS and ensure they hold a personal licence.

✅ Prepare your premises plan and comprehensive operating schedule.

✅ Budget for application fees and advertising costs for the required legal notices.

✅ Consider professional advice if you’re unsure about any part of the process.

Any Questions:  Call The Licensing Guys on 01432 700024 or email us on licensing@thelicensingguys.com