Selling Alcohol Over The Internet

[Englishdesi]

Hi All,

I would be grateful for any guidance Re: Selling Alcohol over the internet. I run an internet based food supplements company. All orders are taken via the web and over the phone. All our stock is kept in one of those self storage warehouses.

Given the success of our current product line, I want to venture into selling wine over the internet. I spoke to the council who said I need a personal license and a premises license. The Personal license is not a problem I did the course and got the qualification. However as it is an online business, the council is insisting I need a premises license and need to apply as if I was running a bar or a club. This brings about a whole set of different issues e.g. Residential Property and business dealings etc etc and having to advertise our application for a license outside the property etc.

Any help/guidance on interpreting the law in light of the online environment would be great as I am keen to sell wines over the web with all necessary security and age validation procedures in place.

Regards
English Desi

 

[Bri]

... well I am on drinking the stuff, however if I get this right the plate over the door states you have the licence to sell alcohol for the consumption of etc on or from these premises, or words to that effect

 

[muppetdave]

Don't take my word as gospel, but look in to a loophole that certainly did exist with regards to selling by the case/multiples. I know you could sell say bottles of beer six at a time with no need for a license a year or three ago.

 

[glass]

Don't take my word as gospel, but look in to a loophole that certainly did exist with regards to selling by the case/multiples. I know you could sell say bottles of beer six at a time with no need for a license a year or three ago.

not allowed since 2003 although i am not sure what licence you need for a indirect sales business, you needa personal one but a premisses one ?

set up your sales business abroad and just ship from your warehouse

 

[muppetdave]

2003 - that's scary! Didn't realise it was as long ago as that! Makes me feel old

 

[glass]

2003 - that's scary! Didn't realise it was as long ago as that! Makes me feel old

well that is when the law came in but maybe it came into force later

feel better?

 

[Nathanto]

All orders are taken via the web and over the phone. All our stock is kept in one of those self storage warehouses.

The key point is who is "supplying" the alcohol.

One of the companies I am involved with sells alcohol online. We take the order from the customer and charge them but then pass the order details to a third party who actually supply the alcohol to the customer. We do not need any license to do so.

From your original posting it sounds like you will be storing and shipping the alcohol yourself in which case there is no getting away from the fact that you will need a premises license for the premises from which the alcohol is supplied.

 

[adam]

You might be thinking of the Licensing Act 2003 which came in to being in 2005 I think. Not be confused with the Gambling Act of 2005 that came in, well some time after!

 

[Robs]

You should go to business gateway or business link for advice. They will have specialist in this area. or your other option is to see a lawyer who specialises in licensing for advice

 

[punton]

Does anyone know if a Cricket Club which opperates as a voluntary club on zero rates applies for an alcohol licence and starts selling alcohol on matches - how this will effect its rateable value. Obviously the club has an income from subs and membership, but will selling remove its zero benefits.

Thanks

Mark