Alcohol Laws
Opening a new hospitality business is exciting, but it also involves plenty of important decisions. One of the most crucial things to get right is understanding alcohol laws. Advising hospitality businesses is a big part of what Freeths does. That's why we can offer friendly, straight-talking but, above all, expert advice on legal issues relating to the hospitality industry and alcohol laws.
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Experts in hospitality and alcohol laws
Running a business in the hospitality industry comes with a unique set of challenges – from food safety standards to customer protection and, of course, alcohol regulations. That's where we come in.
Freeths is here to make your life easier by helping you stay on top of ever-changing alcohol laws. We offer a range of legal services tailored to the hospitality industry, including:
From understanding the alcohol laws to gaining your licences, we are here to offer expert guidance and support. Allow us to focus on the legalities of selling alcohol at your establishment, so you can concentrate on the daily running of your premises.
"When it comes to alcohol law compliance, having an alcohol lawyer[LG2.1] who understands the ins and outs of the industry can save you time, money and stress. Freeths takes the worry out of compliance, offering practical, no-nonsense advice that keeps your business on the right side of the law."
Lisa Gilligan
Head of Licensing & Regulatory
Key contact
Lisa Gilligan
Leicester Office Managing Partner
Get in touch
Our specialist team also focuses on:
Why choose Freeths as your licensing lawyers?
Our services are tailored to meet your needs, whether you are an experienced professional in the hospitality field or starting a new venture. We have all the tools and information to help you thrive. Our team of 1,300+ people means there's always someone here to advise you.
Whether you're overseeing a family-owned pub or managing a nationwide chain of bars, we’ve got you covered
We stay on top of evolving alcohol licensing laws and regulations, so you can rely on us to keep you ahead of the curve and your competitors
With a clear, client-focused approach, we provide tailored advice that's grounded in a solid understanding of your business and the hospitality sector
Alcohol laws FAQs
There are two primary licences needed to sell alcohol in the UK:
Premises Licence: Specific to the venue. Permits the use of premises for licensable activities, including serving alcohol and serving hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am. This licence is also required if you provide the following types of entertainment:
Theatrical performance
Films
Indoor sporting
Boxing or wrestling
Live music
Recorded music
Dance
Dancing facilities
Music-making facilities
Personal Licence: Specific to the owner/seller. Permits the individual to authorise the sale of alcohol. The person who holds the licence can sell alcohol under any business, if the Premises Licence is in place.
The application for a Premises Licence is often an online form. The form will include:
Detailed plans of your premises
Detailing of the intended activities
An application fee, which is calculated based on your property's rateable value
Details of the Designated Premises Supervisor
For a Personal Licence, conditions must be in place before application, including:
Must be 18 or over
Must hold a relevant licensing qualification (like the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders)
During the application itself, you will need:
Your qualification, as mentioned above
A Criminal record/DBS check
Two passport photos
Proof of your right to work in the UK
Premises Licence conditions include:
Irresponsible alcohol promotions are not allowed, i.e. drinking games, extreme discounts or rewards for consumption
Water must be accessible, free of charge, at all times at the premises
All customers must face age verification. Alcohol can only be sold if the customer is over 18, and their identification must be checked under the Challenge 25 scheme
Small measures must be available, i.e. half pints or small wine glasses
Personal Licence conditions include:
The holder must not have forfeited a Personal Licence in the last five years
They must not have been convicted of a relevant offence
They must notify the Commission of the occurrence of any of the following events: change of address, a new conviction against relevant law, pending investigations, any disciplinary action against them, resignation from a position where a Personal Licence is required, or filing for bankruptcy
Failure to obtain the correct licences under British alcohol laws can result in prosecution with an ultimate fine and or up to six months in prison.
If you host any licensable activities at your establishment without the correct licence, you can be fined and sentenced to prison for up to six months.
Get specialist alcohol laws advice today
Speak to one of our alcohol licensing lawyers today to take the pressure off hospitality licensing. Call us on 0330 100 1014 or visit us at one of our 12 UK offices. An expert will be on hand to give you current, legally compliant advice relevant to your business.
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