Alcohol licence for a shop or convenience store
If a convenience store, supermarket, newsagent or specialist off-licence will sell alcohol, the premises needs authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.
A DPS must be named on the Premises Licence, and that DPS must hold a Personal Licence.
What does "off-sales" mean?
Off-sales are alcohol sales intended for consumption away from the licensed premises. For a convenience store or off-licence, the Premises Licence should authorise the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises during the hours the business intends to sell it.
Does the shop owner need a Personal Licence?
The person named as the DPS must hold a Personal Licence. That person does not have to be the owner of the shop, although many independent operators choose to hold the Personal Licence themselves.
Shop assistants do not each need a Personal Licence to make alcohol sales. The business must have appropriate authorisation and controls in place. Need the qualification? See the personal licence course & exam.
What should the operating schedule address?
- Age-verification arrangements
- Prevention of proxy sales and sales to children
- Staff training and authorisation
- CCTV where appropriate
- Refusals procedures and records
- Street drinking and public nuisance risks where relevant
- Delivery and online-sales procedures if the shop also fulfils internet orders
Can an existing shop add alcohol later?
Yes, but it should not begin alcohol sales until the correct Premises Licence permission is in place. Depending on the current licensing position, the business may require a new Premises Licence or a variation of an existing licence.
Buying an existing off-licence
Check whose name the Premises Licence is in before completion. A change of business ownership does not automatically transfer the licence. The incoming operator may need a Premises Licence transfer and may also need to appoint a new DPS.
Online orders and local delivery
If the shop accepts alcohol orders online or by telephone, the licensing analysis should also cover where the sale is treated as taking place and how orders are fulfilled. Age-verification and delivery controls should be reflected in the business's procedures and, where appropriate, the operating schedule.
Selling online as well? Read where you can sell alcohol online and our guide to licensing an online alcohol business.
Need help with a shop licence?
We handle new Premises Licence applications for shops and off-licences, review an existing licence before a purchase, and manage transfers, DPS changes and variations for existing retail premises.
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