Alcohol Rules for Bridal Shops
Learn the essential legal requirements for alcohol licences to safeguard your business. Here’s what you need to know to avoid any penalties
Serving a glass of Champagne or another celebratory drink to brides and their guests during a wedding dress appointment might seem like a harmless and fun gesture. However, bridal boutiques should be aware that legally, the rules surrounding alcohol service are strict – and failure to comply could lead to hefty fines.
Many bridal shops might not realise that they need two specific licences to serve alcohol: a premises licence and a personal licence. Without these, offering alcohol could be considered part of a package deal (which includes the cost of the wedding gown), and this might violate licensing regulations. In the eyes of local authorities, alcohol can only be considered "free" if it is provided to anyone entering the premises, whether they are shopping or not. This means that if you’re serving alcohol, you need to have the proper licences in place to avoid potential penalties.
What Is a Premises Licence?
A premises licence is required for any location that sells alcohol, offers regulated entertainment, or provides late-night refreshments. This permanent licence is granted under the Licensing Act 2003 and applies to a specific business location.
In addition to this, anyone selling alcohol at the premises must have the legal right to live and work in the UK and must be authorised to carry out the licensable activity. If your bridal boutique plans to sell alcohol regularly (even if it’s included in the price of the gown), a premises licence is essential.
If your boutique only intends to serve alcohol on rare occasions, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) may be sufficient. A TEN is easier to apply for and less stringent, but it is only valid for short-term events.
Do You Need a Personal Licence?
In addition to a premises licence, your bridal boutique will need a personal licence if you wish to legally sell alcohol. This licence is typically held by the designated premises supervisor (DPS)—the person responsible for the responsible sale of alcohol.
To apply for a personal licence, the DPS must have completed the Award for Personal Licence Holders qualification. This qualification ensures that alcohol sales are managed professionally and responsibly.
Licence Refusals, Objections & Revocations
It’s important to note that there are strict rules governing the granting of licences. If there are objections to your application, the council must hold a hearing within 20 working days. These objections can come from responsible authorities such as local police, health services, or the fire department. If your licence is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision in a magistrates’ court.
Additionally, if a bridal boutique fails to comply with licensing objectives (such as public safety or protecting children), the premises licence can be revoked. In such cases, the boutique will no longer be authorised to sell alcohol, and the licence holder can appeal the revocation.
The Premises Licence Consultation Process
Once you apply for a premises licence, there is a 28-day consultation period during which the public and responsible authorities can make comments or objections. It’s crucial to advertise the application in a local newspaper and post a visible notice on the premises to ensure the public is aware of the application. Failing to follow these steps could lead to the council invalidating your application, requiring you to start the process again.
Essential Information for Applying
To apply for a premises licence, you’ll need to provide detailed information about your boutique, including a description of the premises, details of where alcohol will be consumed, and documents that prove your right to work in the UK. Make sure you carefully research the information needed to avoid delays in the application process.
Conclusion: Serving Alcohol at Your Bridal Shop
While there’s no law preventing bridal boutiques from serving alcohol to clients, failing to obtain the necessary licences could result in serious consequences, including fines and potential prosecution. By understanding the licensing process and obtaining the correct licences, bridal boutiques can legally offer alcohol to their clients without worrying about legal trouble.
Insight provided by Stephen Bartlett, the premises licence manager at Innpacked.com
Main Image: Istock/SeventyFour
