Selling Alcohol Via 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