Do you produce or sell alcohol wholesale? It is imperative that you check that your alcohol wholesaler is registered under new rules which come into force on April 1
If you’ve not already heard about the new Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme (AWRS) then you must make it your business to familiarise yourself with it.
Under the new legislation which comes into force on April 1, any licensee who buys from a source which has not been approved by HMRC as a “fit and proper” alcohol trader could face penalties, including fines, seizure of stock, and the loss of their licence.
AWRS is designed to protect everyone who sells beers, wines and spirits from prosecution by helping them ensure they only buy from wholesalers who have paid duty on alcohol products. It will also contribute to recouping the £1.2 billion duty revenue lost every year to criminals who sell duty-evaded stock to unsuspecting traders.
From April 1, if you buy alcohol from UK suppliers to sell to others you must check that your supplier has been approved. Ask your supplier to tell you their AWRS Unique Reference Number (URN) – they will also show the URN on their invoices.
HMRC will provide an online service of approved wholesalers from April 1 and from then, you should check that your supplier is approved. You should do this every time you buy alcohol from your supplier, not just the first time. The online service and guidance will be available on GOV.UK.
You will need to keep records to prove you have checked that your supplier is approved, so you don’t inadvertently become involved in selling duty unpaid alcohol. You will be able to print or save the details of your check.
Licensees should be aware that from April 1 it will be an offence for you to buy alcohol from an unapproved supplier. You could be liable for a penalty and have your alcohol stock seized.
Remember, the onus is on you to be responsible for regularly checking that your alcohol is purchased from AWRS-registered sources.
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