What planning use class (B1 vs B2) should a small craft distillery with rectification and compounding operations be classified under?

Small craft distilleries that rectify and compound spirits can typically operate under **B1 (light industrial)** classification rather than B2 (general industrial), provided noise and emissions remain minimal.

- **B1 classification is the norm** for small distilleries doing rectification and compounding, as long as operations don't generate excessive noise, dirt, or smoke - **Local authority interpretation varies** — councils don't always understand distillery operations well, so classification can be somewhat flexible depending on your specific local authority - The key factor is **whether your operations create significant nuisance** (noise, dirt, smoke); if not, B1 is usually the appropriate category

**Caveat:** Given variable local authority understanding of distillery operations, it's worth engaging early with your specific council planning department to confirm their interpretation of your operation's classification before establishing premises.