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Alcohol Wholesaler Registration (AWRS)

Support with AWRS applications and ongoing wholesale alcohol compliance

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Alcohol Wholesaler Registration (AWRS)

Support with AWRS applications and ongoing wholesale alcohol compliance

Any business that sells alcohol by wholesale in the UK must be approved under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) before trading lawfully.

AWRS is administered by HM Revenue & Customs and applies to businesses that supply alcohol to other businesses, including pubs, bars, clubs, off-licences, retailers, and event operators.

Our AWRS Application Service provides professional support to businesses applying for approval, as well as advice on maintaining compliance once registered.

What Is AWRS?

The Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme is designed to prevent alcohol fraud and ensure that alcohol is traded through legitimate, compliant supply chains.

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If you are required to register under AWRS and fail to do so, this may result in:

  • Criminal penalties

  • Refusal or revocation of approval

  • Enforcement action by HMRC

  • Licensing consequences for associated premises

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Licensed premises are also required to ensure that they only purchase alcohol from AWRS-registered wholesalers.

Who Needs AWRS Registration?

You are likely to require AWRS approval if you:

  • Sell alcohol to other businesses (B2B sales)

  • Operate as a wholesaler, distributor, or cash-and-carry

  • Import alcohol and sell it onward within the UK

  • Supply alcohol between multiple sites or companies

  • Hold stock that is sold onward rather than directly to consumers

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Where business models are complex, determining whether AWRS applies can be difficult. We provide clear advice at the outset to confirm whether registration is required.

How We Can Help

Our AWRS consultancy service includes:

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  • Initial eligibility assessment and advice

  • Guidance on business structure and trading arrangements

  • Support completing the AWRS application

  • Advice on due diligence and supply chain declarations

  • Assistance demonstrating “fit and proper” status

  • Ongoing compliance guidance following approval

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We ensure applications are accurate, complete, and properly evidenced, helping to reduce delays or refusals.

AWRS and Licensed Premises

AWRS compliance is increasingly scrutinised by:

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  • Licensing Authorities

  • Trading Standards

  • Police licensing teams

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Failure to comply with AWRS requirements can place a premises licence at risk, particularly where alcohol is sourced from unapproved wholesalers.

Our licensing background allows us to advise on AWRS alongside premises licence compliance, ensuring both regimes are managed consistently.

Free Initial Consultation

 

A free initial consultation is available to discuss:

  • Whether AWRS registration is required for your business

  • How the scheme applies to your trading model

  • The most appropriate route to compliance

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No fees are payable until the scope of work has been agreed.

Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) – FAQs

 

What is the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)?

AWRS is a scheme administered by HM Revenue & Customs that requires businesses selling alcohol by wholesale to be approved before trading. The scheme is designed to prevent alcohol fraud and ensure alcohol is traded through legitimate supply chains

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Who needs to register under AWRS?

You will usually need AWRS approval if you sell alcohol to other businesses rather than directly to the public. This includes wholesalers, distributors, cash-and-carry operators, importers, and businesses supplying alcohol between multiple sites or companies.

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Do pubs, bars, and restaurants need AWRS registration?

Most pubs, bars, and restaurants do not need AWRS approval if they only sell alcohol directly to consumers. However, if a licensed premises supplies alcohol to other businesses, events, or external sites, AWRS may apply.

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What happens if I trade without AWRS approval when it is required?

Trading as a wholesaler without AWRS approval is a criminal offence. Consequences may include financial penalties, refusal of future approval, enforcement action, and potential licensing implications for associated premises.

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What does HMRC assess as part of an AWRS application?

  • HMRC considers factors such as:

  • Business structure and trading arrangements

  • Alcohol supply chains

  • Due diligence procedures

  • Financial and tax compliance

  • Whether those involved are “fit and proper” persons

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How long does an AWRS application take?

There is no fixed timescale. Applications can take several weeks or longer depending on complexity, ownership structure, and the level of checks required by HMRC. Incomplete or unclear applications often result in delays.

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Can an AWRS application be refused?

Yes. Applications may be refused if HMRC is not satisfied that the business meets AWRS requirements or where insufficient information is provided. Professional advice can help reduce the risk of refusal.

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Can you help if my business model is unclear?

Yes. Many businesses are unsure whether AWRS applies to them. We provide an initial assessment to confirm whether registration is required and advise on the most appropriate compliance route.​​​​​​

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