From 1st of April 2017, Drinks Cash & Carry Wholesalers will not be able to sell alcohol in the UK unless they are registered for Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS). Similarly, businesses that trade in or retail alcohol will need to make sure that they buy from AWRS – registered licence holders.

As a retailer, it will be your responsibility to make sure you only buy alcohol from wholesalers that have been vetted and approved by HMRC. The penalties for failing to comply are fines of up to £10,000, seizure and forfelt of goods or imprisonment of up to seven years. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-alcohol-wholesaler-registration-scheme-awrs

For a retailer, it is very simple. Request the AWRS number of your wholesaler and check that the number is valid on the government website. Print a copy for your reference.