Can you sell alcohol from home in the UK?
Selling alcohol from home is not automatically exempt from licensing law. If alcohol is being sold by retail, the relevant premises may need to be authorised and the licensing position should be established before trading.
Do You Need a Premises Licence?
Potentially, yes. The key question is which premises is being used for the licensed activity and how the sale and fulfilment process operates.
Do You Need a Personal Licence?
Where alcohol is sold under a Premises Licence, the usual Personal Licence and DPS requirements can also apply.
What Other Issues Should You Consider?
- planning permission or planning restrictions
- mortgage or tenancy conditions
- home insurance
- neighbour impact and deliveries
- storage and security
- age verification
- online sales and delivery procedures
These cases can be fact-specific, so it is worth getting advice before you start trading.
What if the Business Is Online?
An online website does not remove the need for licensing. The physical premises connected to the alcohol sale and fulfilment still needs to be considered. Where can I sell alcohol online?
When Might a Commercial Premises Be Better?
If the business is likely to grow, store significant stock or generate frequent deliveries and collections, a dedicated commercial premises may be more appropriate.
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