Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What licenses and regulatory requirements are needed to set up an in-house cocktail blending and kegging operation?
To set up a cocktail blending and kegging operation (blending third-party spirits and juices rather than producing alcohol from scratch), members confirm you'll need several key licenses and registrations. **Core licenses and registrations:** - **Compounder's licence** — required for blending operations - **AWRS (Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme)** — mandatory registration - **Premises licence** — required to sell through a website; requirements vary by location (confirmed as needed in Brighton but may differ elsewhere) - **Bonded site status** — valuable to have if possible, as it saves on duty costs **Caveats and next steps:** - The application forms can be unclear and require careful completion; members recommend getting expert help if possible - One member was arranging a call with a specialist to navigate the process and recommended sharing learnings with the community - Members who have recently moved distilleries and gone through licensing again offered to share tips on navigating the paperwork This is a regulated process with multiple overlapping requirements; getting specialist advice early is strongly recommended.
Which photographers specialise in cocktail and food product photography, particularly in the UK?
Members recommend the following specialist photographers for cocktail and food product work: - **Chris Coulson** — based in London (East); described as "great for photography". Portfolio: https://chriscoulson.co.uk/ - **The Cocktail Service** — offers cocktail and food photography support; members have connected their marketing teams. www.thecocktailservice.co.uk One member also mentioned **Rapidbars** (£850 + VAT, contact: tony@image-corporate.com) as a supplier of pop-up bar installations, though this is more for experiential setup than photography services. Members suggest reaching out directly via the websites or DM for specific quotes and availability.