Government seeks industry views on rapid online alcohol deliveries

The Home Office is seeking evidence from businesses involved in rapid online alcohol sales and deliveries as part of its ongoing review of how licensing laws apply to alcohol delivery services.

The review, which is examining the operation of the Licensing Act 2003 in the context of modern alcohol delivery models, has already included engagement with academics, healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experience. The latest phase focuses on gathering the views of businesses operating in the sector and understanding the practical challenges they face in complying with licensing requirements.

To support this work, the Home Office has launched an industry survey for businesses that sell and deliver alcohol through rapid online services. Officials are particularly interested in hearing about any difficulties operators encounter in meeting their legal obligations under the Licensing Act and how existing regulatory requirements work in practice.

The government says the information gathered will help build a fuller understanding of the issues associated with rapid alcohol delivery services and inform consideration of whether any changes or additional measures may be required.

As the review progresses, the Institute of Licensing (IoL) will engage with the Home Office to ensure that the perspectives of licensing authorities, regulators and licensing practitioners are also represented as part of the evidence-gathering process. The Institute believes it is important that any future policy considerations are informed by both operational experience and regulatory practice across England and Wales.

IoL members can access the survey link by logging into the IoL member section. The survey closes at midnight on 11 October.