Home Office issues guidance on new temporary off-sales permissions

The Home Office has published guidance on the new temporary off-sales permissions contained in the alcohol licensing provisions in the Business and Planning Act 2020.

The guidance, which can be viewed here, covers:

1. What is the purpose of this temporary off-sales extension?

2. Does the extension apply to outdoor areas?

3. Will all premises that currently only have permission for on-sales be given the new permission for off-sales?

4. Will this permission be permanent?

5. What is the difference between pavement licences and alcohol licences?

6. My premises licence has lapsed/been surrendered/is suspended. Will the new off-sales permission apply if the licence comes back into effect?

7. The premises licence was only transferred to me recently. How would I know if my premises are excluded?

8. Do I need my local licensing authority’s permission to start making off-sales?

9. Do I have to wait for the licensing authority to acknowledge my notification before I can start making off-sales?

10. Do I need to alter the summary of my licence that is displayed on the premises?

11. Will I need to amend my premises plan to show new outdoor areas where customers will consume alcohol?

12. My premises are in an area where there is a public space protection order (PSPO) banning the consumption of alcohol in public. Do the pavement and alcohol licensing provisions in the Act override this?

13. At what times will the new permission allow me to make off-sales?

14. I already have an off-sales permission in my licence. Will this legislation have any effect on my premises?

15. Can I apply to vary those conditions?

16. Will any variation that is granted be permanent?

17. When could I apply to make the off-sales permission permanent?

18. Why are you limiting where premises with an existing permission can make deliveries of alcohol when there is no such limitation on premises with a new permission?

19. The new summary off-sales review process

20. General advice on conducting off-sales

This guidance is separate to the guidance on working safely during Covid-19 issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.