Licensing & ADZs

Licensing and Alcohol Disorder Zones

The licensing regimes in the UK are a fundamental part of alcohol retailing. However, since devolution, retailers have had to operate to differing requirements in the constituent parts of the UK:

  • In England and Wales, the Licensing Act 2003 came fully into force in November 2005.
  • In Scotland, the regime will be changing in 2008-2009
  • In Northern Ireland there are reforms proposed to the current regime.
  • The WSTA is active in all three jurisdictions and works with Government, local authorities and other stakeholders to minimise burdensome regulation and unnecessary costs to member companies as UK licensing legislation is developed and reviewed.