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Q: I own a restaurant and recently I have been thinking of new ways to attract customers and promote my business. I am considering hosting a special ‘bring your own bottle’ night at the restaurant. Customers could bring their own drinks and I would charge a small corkage. Under the licensing laws am I permitted to allow customers to bring their own drinks to my restaurant and charge a corkage fee?
A: Yes, you are. There is nothing in licensing law preventing customers bringing drinks or a premises charging corkage – it is entirely at a premises’ discretion. So if you feel this will boost trade give it a try. Just remember, however, that you may still be liable in the unlikely event of an incident of disorder arising from alcohol consumption. Yes, you are.
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