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 is the HMRC APPA registration timeline and will we receive direct communications?
APPA registration appears to be largely automatic for currently registered firms. According to members' contacts at HMRC, **existing registered firms will be automatically registered and receive their APPA number mid-February**, so no action is required until then. Members have not yet received formal HMRC letters or communications about APPA—awareness has largely come through the BDA. Some firms are choosing to continue submitting returns as normal this month, then switching to monthly W5 submissions from March onwards once APPA numbers and portal information are available.
How do you prepare for and pass the WOWGR (Wholesaler Own Brand Growth Registration) process?
The WOWGR process is lengthy but straightforward to prepare for. Members report the actual assessment takes around 3 hours and doesn't require complicated preparation. **Approach options:** - **DIY preparation** — Members have successfully prepared and passed on their own, though it requires significant time investment - **Phil Griffiths** — Multiple members recommend working with this compliance specialist who helps with due diligence pack preparation. He has experience with WOWGR and can also handle AWRS simultaneously. Described as "amazing" and offering reasonable fees for what members characterize as "a horrible process" **Key takeaway:** While it's possible to go through WOWGR alone, members who used Phil Griffiths as a guide found the process much smoother, particularly if handling multiple compliance requirements at once.
Do you need to be VAT registered to sell alcohol if your turnover is under the £90k threshold?
No, you do not need to be VAT registered to sell alcohol below the £90k threshold. Members clarified that **AWRS (Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme) registration is separate and can be obtained without VAT registration**. However, a key consideration: if you estimate your sales will exceed £90k in the rolling 12 months ahead, you should register for VAT voluntarily *before* hitting that threshold, rather than waiting. You can also choose to be VAT registered even if you're under £90k if it suits your business. One member noted this would be "backwards" if VAT registration were mandatory for alcohol sales below the threshold, suggesting the regulatory intent is clear on this point.
Do we need to register as a food business with local councils?
Yes, food business registration with your local council is required. The process is straightforward and not particularly onerous unless you're doing something unusual. **Registration process:** - Fill out the registration form with your local council - Council will schedule an inspection at some point, though timing can vary - For non-alcoholic products, registration is described as "super easy" - If you're using fresh ingredients (e.g. fresh fruit in production), expect an inspection to verify your handling and storage practices - Processing can take a few weeks, especially if you have multiple sites or a complex distributor network that requires uploading and geo-verification **Practical note:** Members report the council's timeline for inspection visits is unpredictable and not always urgent. If you have questions about your specific setup, experienced members are willing to advise.
Do non-alcoholic drinks producers need to register for AWRS?
Non-alcoholic drinks producers do not need to register for AWRS (Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme). Multiple members confirmed they have never been required to register, and when asked on forms about AWRS status, simply marking "NA" (not applicable) has been sufficient. The scheme applies only to alcoholic beverages, so non-alcoholic brands fall outside its scope entirely.
How long does it take to register for UK duty stamps, and what is the registration process?
UK duty stamp registration is relatively straightforward and can be completed in 2–3 weeks total. Members who have gone through the process report it took approximately 2 weeks to receive registration approval, plus another week for the physical stamps to arrive. **Registration process:** - Apply via the official government guidance at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/duty-stamps-scheme-how-to-register - The application itself is not described as onerous - If you plan to incorporate stamps into labels rather than apply them separately, you will need a UK duty representative **Important considerations before you start:** - **Duty stamps are being phased out in 2025**, so before investing in large batches of pre-printed labels with embedded stamps, confirm the replacement process with HMRC - If using a printer, they will need 2024-compliant technology (typically involving a CD being sent to the approved printer) - Consider using a printer capable of smaller label runs to avoid being left with excess stock during the transition - **LabelTech** (ROI-based, just outside Dublin) is used by members for smaller runs and can help manage inventory during the phase-out period - Alternative: if your supplier is outside the UK, it may be simpler for them to register and apply stamps locally rather than incorporating them into labels before import, which avoids the need for a UK duty representative and the responsibility of managing the CD-ROM