Application for a licence to manufacture excisable products - alcohol

How we assess your application

We need to decide if you are a 'fit and proper' person to hold an excise licence. We are authorised to take into account your financial resources and tax compliance over the last four years when making this decision. We may also check whether you have been charged with, or convicted of, a criminal offence.

• For partnerships, we will check that all the partners are people who are 'fit and proper' to hold a licence.
• For companies, we will check that the company is 'fit and proper' to hold the licence and that the directors, officers or shareholders participating in the management or control of the company are also 'fit and proper' to hold the licence.

We will check that the people participating in the management or control of your premises are also 'fit and proper'.

We will check whether you are an associate of a person, or a company, that is not 'fit and proper'.

We will also consider if:

• you have, or have available to you, the skills and experience required to carry out the activity that would be authorised by the licence
• the physical security of the premises is adequate, having regard to the nature of the premises, the type and quantity of the goods, and the procedures used to ensure the goods' security on the premises
• the plant and equipment to be used at the premises is suitable, having regard to the quantity and type of goods and the nature of the premises
• you will have a market for the goods
• you are able to keep proper books of account for audit purposes
• it is necessary to refuse to grant the licence to protect revenue.

If we identify a risk to revenue, we may take a security and/or apply other conditions to your licence.