From Vine to Wine – Viticulture in the UK
21 February 2024
An increasing number of farmers and landowners in the UK are diversifying and cultivating vines on their land. Birketts offers a complete service to guide and support you through each stage of the process; from land purchase or leasing, structuring your trading company or partnership, addressing any diversification issues, dealing with any employment or immigration issues to the sale of the wine.
It is an offence to supply alcohol wholesale without being registered under the Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme (AWRS) so, if you intend to sell the wine wholesale, you need to register for this scheme with HMRC.
The sale of alcohol by retail is a licensable activity which is regulated under the Licensing Act 2003. Licensable activities must be carried out having regard to the four licensing objectives which are: to prevent crime, promote public safety, protect children from harm and prevent public nuisance.
If you plan to open a vineyard and sell wine directly to the public, you will need to apply for a Premises Licence for the premises from which the alcohol is being sold. If the wine is being sold wholesale to other licensed premises, or to other wine traders, you do not need a premises licence as they will be selling the wine on, but, if you are selling to the “final” customer for their consumption, the premises from which the wine is sold (your vineyard) must be licensed.
In conjunction with the premises licence, a Personal Licence holder would be required to authorise the sale or supply of the alcohol. To apply for a Personal Licence, the applicant must hold a certificate to show that they are personal licence trained.
Failure to obtain the relevant licence could have a significant impact on your business and on the individual so it is important to seek proper advice on your licensing requirements. Our dedicated licensing team offers a complete service, from discussing your requirements with you, to submitting your application. If an application is refused, or if relevant representations are made against your application, our team can advise and support you through the hearing and appeal process.
In conjunction with our Vineyards, Viticulture and Wineries Team, Birketts Licensing Team offers the complete package. Please do get in touch if you have any queries.
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Karen Lolotte
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Emily Jones
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Julie Gowland
Sectors
The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at February 2024.