Leisure Sector Update: Government Review of Alcohol Deliveries and Online Sales

Welcome to the Harrison Drury Leisure Sector Newsletter. Your regular update on legal developments across the leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. Our aim is to keep you informed, prepared and ahead of the curve with insights tailored to support you and your business.

Government Review of Alcohol Deliveries and Online Sales

Given the increased use of online services, the Home Office has confirmed that it is working with the Department of Health and Social Care to review how licensing laws apply when alcohol is ordered online and delivered to a customer. Delivery businesses and other specialists will be asked for their views before the Government decides whether any changes are needed. Currently the law applies in the same way whether alcohol is bought in a shop, ordered online or delivered to a home.

For businesses offering online and delivery sales of alcohol, the main challenge is making sure the required checks work in practice. Checking a customer’s age when they place an order is important, but it may not be enough on its own. Delivery drivers and staff should know when to ask for proof of age, when not to hand over an order, and what to do if a customer appears intoxicated. Keeping a clear record of refused deliveries can also help demonstrate that the business is taking its responsibilities seriously.

We will update you further when more details are released.

We have a team of solicitors across a range of legal disciplines all with significant experience in supporting businesses in the leisure sector. Meet our leisure sector team to see how our team can help support you. If you wish to subscribe to our leisure newsletter, please do so here.

Samantha Faud