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The End of temporary off-sales

The Home Office has written to the Institute of Licensing and confirmed that the recent temporary deregulation which permitted off-sales to premises that otherwise would not be permitted to sell for consumption off the premises is to end on 30 September of this year.

The temporary off-sales extension was introduced in response to Covid and was designed to help businesses make use of outdoor space.  The Licensing Act 2003 was automatically modified to allow eligible premises that only had on-sales to provide alcohol for consumption off the premises.

Businesses which made use of the temporary extension and who wish to continue to sell for consumption off the premises, will need to make an application to add off-sales to their licences permanently.  It is anticipated that a great number of premises will want to avail themselves of off-sales going forward, particularly those that rely on home delivery.

For advice on this or any other licensing topic, contact Richard Arnot on richard.arnot@wardhadaway.com.

Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

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