HMRC has issued a factsheet which explains the penalty regime in relation to the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme.

As HMRC staff will start to shift back to their normal jobs after being seconded to Brexit work, this may be the pre-cursor to HMRC reviewing Due Diligence in the trade.

If you buy alcohol from, or sell alcohol to, a wholesaler who is not registered the penalty is £10,000 per offence. This can be reduced depending the reasons for the offence and whether the offender finds it him (or her) self and dislcoses to HMRC or if HMRC finds it themselves.  In addition, HMRC may revoke the registration.

Therefore, it is recommended that you perform a review of your Due Diligence processes and check all wholesale customers and suppliers have been checked and verified as bona fide traders.

Any queries please contact me on 07540 370132 (Phil Griffiths)