Minibars in guest rooms

What are the licensing implications?

Published: 22 April 2016

Q:  I run a rural pub with some guest rooms above.  I am looking into providing mini-bars and wonder if there are any licensing implications?

A:  Yes there are.  Because the sale of alcohol is deemed to have taken place where the alcohol is specifically selected (in this case the mini-bar) then you will need to ensure that the guest rooms are licensed for the sale (and not just the consumption) of alcohol. 

This will need a variation application being made to the Licensing Authority to include those rooms if they are not already so authorised.