Where Can I Sell Alcohol Online?

Selling alcohol online in England and Wales can be a profitable business, but it is tightly regulated. Whether you are dispatching alcohol from a home, warehouse, or commercial property, you must have the correct licences in place before you start selling.

Here’s what you need to know to sell alcohol online legally.

Do I Need a Licence to Sell Alcohol Online?

📝 Key Licences Required:

Premises Licence (for the dispatch location)
Personal Licence (held by the Designated Premises Supervisor)

Even if you are working from a home address, you must still apply for a Premises Licence for your home if alcohol is being stored and dispatched from there.

Where Does the "Sale" Happen in Online and Mail Order Alcohol Sales?

📦 When the Sale Happens:
Under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Government’s statutory Section 182 Guidance, the sale of alcohol in distance selling legally occurs at:

✅ "The place where the alcohol is appropriated to the contract."

In plain terms, the sale is made when the alcohol is picked and packed for delivery — not when the customer places the order online or by phone.

This means the dispatch location must hold a valid Premises Licence, even if no customers ever visit the premises.

What Location Needs to Be Licensed?

🏢 Which Locations Require a Licence:

Warehouse (where alcohol is picked and packed) – needs a Premises Licence.
Home address (if dispatching from home) – needs a Premises Licence.
Call centre (only taking orders, not handling alcohol) – does not need a licence.

Without the correct licence for the place of dispatch, your business would be operating illegally.

Selling Alcohol Through Online Marketplaces

🛒 Selling on Amazon, eBay, and Marketplaces:

Platforms like Amazon and eBay usually hold their own Premises Licences for fulfilment centres.
However, many platforms require you as the seller to hold your own Premises and Personal Licences under their internal policies, even if technically not legally required.

Always check each platform’s alcohol selling requirements carefully to avoid account suspension or penalties.

FAQs About Selling Alcohol Online

Can I sell alcohol from my home?

Yes, but you must apply for a Premises Licence for your home address if alcohol is being stored and dispatched from there.

What happens if I don't license the correct premises?

Operating without a valid Premises Licence for your dispatch location is a criminal offence and can result in heavy fines, licence revocation, or prosecution.

Do I need a Personal Licence if I'm the business owner?

Yes. There must be a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a Personal Licence to oversee the alcohol sales.

Summary:
If you want to sell alcohol online in England and Wales, it’s not enough to have a website and take orders. You must licence the physical premises where alcohol is picked and packed, whether that's a warehouse, shop, office, or your own home.

If you sell through marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, you must also meet their internal policies, which often require you to have your own licences even if their facilities are already licensed.

Following the correct licensing process keeps your business legal and protects you from serious penalties.