Alcoholic beverages are heavily regulated, from the point of production to the point of sale. Regulations cover production, import and export, storage, handling, consumption, wholesale and retail sale, and taxation. These pages look at the main sets of rules in the UK and devolved administrations. Their precise application depends on individual business models, so you may need to take advice specific to your own needs. These pages are intended to help you identify the right questions.
We have commissioned our Primary Authority Partners at the Greater Manchester Regulatory Centre of Excellence (GMCRE) to help provide answers to some of your technical queries for a trial period. We will still see all questions and take a view about which could be dealt with by GMRCE and which would be better managed in-house. You should be aware that if a query reveals significant issues of non-compliance, GMRCE may be bound by their statutory obligations to refer that for regulatory action. As many questions are about future proposals, we assess the prospects of such referrals are low. We will, of course, be alert to that when identifying the questions to send to GMCRE and if members have any concerns please raise them with david@wsta.co.uk
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Alcohol Taxation
We want an alcohol taxation system which is fair to moderate consumers and responsible businesses. This is the system…
Minimum Unit Pricing
What is the WSTA’s position on Minimum Unit Pricing? A minimum unit pricing policy, whether applied nationally or at…
Public Health
The WSTA has played a key role in shaping the industry’s commitments as part of the Public Health Responsibility…
Social Responsibility
The WSTA works with its members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol. More widely, we…
Regulation of Wine and Spirit products
A complex body of technical regulation, most of it EU law, governs all aspects of the wine and spirit…
Licensing Law in England and Wales
Licensing Act 2003 The Licensing Act 2003 established a system of licensing for the sale and supply of alcohol,…
Environment and Sustainability
Building a more environmentally sustainable industry is not only right in terms of social responsibility, it also makes good…
Facilitating Market Access
In an increasingly competitive global economy, and against the backdrop of Brexit, opening up new markets and opportunities for…
Distance Selling
Many of our members sell wine and spirit products via the internet or mail order. Distance retailing continues to…
Business Resilience and Tackling Fraud
Building a more environmentally sustainable industry is not only right in terms of social responsibility, it also makes good…
Logistics, Customs & Excise
In common with all businesses, getting products to the right place, in the right condition, at the right time…
Devolved Issues
We work wherever possible in partnership with decision-makers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to address alcohol harm. However,…
Alcohol Taxation
We want an alcohol taxation system which is fair to moderate consumers and responsible businesses. This is the system…
Minimum Unit Pricing
What is the WSTA’s position on Minimum Unit Pricing? A minimum unit pricing policy, whether applied nationally or at…
Public Health
The WSTA has played a key role in shaping the industry’s commitments as part of the Public Health Responsibility…
Social Responsibility
The WSTA works with its members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol. More widely, we…
Regulation of Wine and Spirit products
A complex body of technical regulation, most of it EU law, governs all aspects of the wine and spirit…
Licensing Law in England and Wales
Licensing Act 2003 The Licensing Act 2003 established a system of licensing for the sale and supply of alcohol,…
Environment and Sustainability
Building a more environmentally sustainable industry is not only right in terms of social responsibility, it also makes good…
Facilitating Market Access
In an increasingly competitive global economy, and against the backdrop of Brexit, opening up new markets and opportunities for…
Distance Selling
Many of our members sell wine and spirit products via the internet or mail order. Distance retailing continues to…
Business Resilience and Tackling Fraud
Three simple things your business can do now 1. Appoint a senior person to be responsible for business resilience,…
Logistics, Customs & Excise
In common with all businesses, getting products to the right place, in the right condition, at the right time…
Devolved Issues
We work wherever possible in partnership with decision-makers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to address alcohol harm. However,…