We are seeing an increase in the number of Review applications by the responsible authorities for Off Licence stores across London.

Your License being under review is a very difficult and costly situation.  Uk Licensing Direct can help you asses the level of compliance and if your licence is under review we can guide you through this complicated process.

So how to avoid a review? We tell you how below :

Running an off-licence (a shop that sells alcohol for consumption off the premises) responsibly in the UK involves adhering to legal regulations, implementing best practices for health and safety, and ensuring that alcohol is sold in a way that promotes responsible drinking. Here’s a guide to help you run an off-licence responsibly:

1. Understand the Legal Requirements

The most important aspect of running an off-licence in the UK is ensuring compliance with the Licensing Act 2003 and other relevant legislation. Key requirements include:

• Premises Licence: Your business must hold a valid premises licence that authorises the sale of alcohol. The application for this licence is made to your local council.
• Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS): The DPS is the person who is legally responsible for the sale of alcohol at your premises. They must hold a Personal Licence, which involves completing an accredited course and passing an exam.
• Age Verification (Challenge 25): You must ensure that no alcohol is sold to anyone under 18. The Challenge 25 scheme is widely used in the UK, where staff must request identification from anyone who appears under 25 years old.
• Underage Sales Prevention: Ensure all staff are trained in how to check for valid ID and handle situations where minors are attempting to purchase alcohol.
• Licensing Hours: Alcohol can only be sold during the hours specified on your premises licence. Selling outside of these hours can lead to fines or revocation of your licence.
• Responsible Retailing: You should avoid selling alcohol to intoxicated customers. Establish clear policies to deal with situations where customers appear drunk, and make sure your staff are trained to enforce these policies.
• Duty of Care: You must ensure that alcohol is not sold to individuals who are likely to cause harm to themselves or others, including those already intoxicated.

2. Staff Training

• Personal Licence Holders: At least one person on the premises must hold a personal licence to ensure the legal sale of alcohol. This individual is responsible for overseeing all alcohol sales and ensuring compliance.
• Training for All Staff: Ensure all staff members are trained in the following areas:
  • Age verification: How to correctly check ID and the importance of adhering to the Challenge 25 policy.
  • Intoxication: How to identify signs of intoxication and how to refuse alcohol sales if necessary.
  • Product knowledge: Understanding the different types of alcohol sold and the regulations surrounding their sale.
• Ongoing Training: Regularly update staff on changes in the law or new training practices to ensure they stay informed.

3. Responsible Marketing and Advertising

• Advertising Guidelines: Follow responsible marketing practices when promoting alcohol, in line with the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines. Ensure your ads do not target minors or encourage excessive drinking.
• Promotions: Be mindful of the type of promotions you run. Promotions that encourage excessive drinking, such as “buy one, get one free” on alcohol, are often seen as irresponsible. Stick to promotions that do not encourage binge drinking.
• Price Point: Be cautious about pricing. Avoid selling alcohol at extremely low prices that could encourage people to drink irresponsibly or engage in harmful behaviors.

4. Store Layout and Security

• Alcohol Display: Make sure alcohol is clearly displayed, but not in a way that encourages impulse buying, particularly for high-alcohol-content drinks. Some off-licences choose to keep alcohol in a separate section of the store to ensure customers ask for it rather than just picking it up.
• Security and CCTV: Install security cameras to deter shoplifting, underage sales, and other illegal activities. Having a visible security presence can also help reduce anti-social behavior outside your store.
• Staffing: Ensure you have enough staff to handle busy periods to reduce the risk of making mistakes when selling alcohol. Staff should be able to manage queues effectively and keep an eye on customer behavior.

5. Maintain Good Community Relations

• Alcohol-free Zones: If you’re near schools or areas frequented by minors, consider restricting the sale of certain types of alcohol, or at least make sure they are kept out of sight.
• Responsible Drinking Campaigns: Support campaigns or initiatives that promote responsible drinking in your community. This could include offering information about drinking guidelines or displaying posters that encourage moderation.
• Relationship with Authorities: Maintain a good relationship with local authorities and your licensing officer. Cooperate fully with any inspections and make any necessary changes if requested.

6. Monitor and Record Sales

• Record Keeping: Keep clear records of alcohol sales, including transactions involving age verification. If there’s ever a question about your compliance with the law, this documentation will be essential.
• Audit Sales and Behavior: Regularly monitor sales patterns to ensure you’re not unintentionally encouraging excessive alcohol consumption. This may include reviewing promotional material or the way your store is set up.

7. Handling Problem Customers

• Refusing Sales: Have a clear procedure for dealing with customers who try to buy alcohol but do not meet the requirements (e.g., underage customers or intoxicated individuals). Always politely refuse service and explain the legal reasons why.
• Conflict Resolution: Ensure your staff are trained in conflict resolution techniques to deal with customers who may be upset about being refused alcohol. It’s essential to de-escalate any potential conflicts.

8. Compliance and Audits

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular internal audits of your procedures, training, and sales to ensure ongoing compliance. This will help avoid any lapses in the law or regulations.
• Licensing Renewal: Make sure to renew your premises licence on time and ensure you meet all conditions set out by the licensing authority. Non-compliance can result in the loss of your licence.

9. Keep Up to Date with Changes in Law

• Licensing Law Updates: Stay informed about any changes to licensing laws, including changes related to public health, alcohol pricing, or alcohol-related crime. Consult your local council or industry bodies for updates.
• Covid-19 and Other Restrictions: If there are any restrictions (such as those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic), be sure to comply with them, including changes to opening hours, delivery services, and hygiene standards.

Conclusion

Running an off-licence responsibly is about understanding and adhering to the law, ensuring your staff are well-trained, and promoting responsible drinking within the community. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your business is compliant with regulations and contributes to a safer, healthier drinking culture.