Yes, a food truck can serve alcohol with the right permits. You need a personal licence from your local authority to sell or supply alcohol. Wine, spirits, and beer are the main types of alcohol beverages. Food trucks can occasionally sell alcohol at festivals with temporary liquor licenses. Local authorities strictly regulate liquor permits. If your state allows mobile food units to sell alcohol and you have the necessary permits and licenses in place, you may be able to sell alcohol. You should be aware that supplying complimentary alcohol requires licensing under the Licensing Act 2003.
Alcohol Licenses for Food and Drink Businesses
Do I Need a Licence to Sell Food Containing Alcohol UK?
If you wish to supply food with an alcohol content greater than 0.5% volume you will need both a premises and a personal alcohol licence issued under the Licensing Act 2003; please contact your local district / borough council licensing department for more information.
Temporary Events Notice (TEN)
To sell alcohol from a mobile bar in the UK you will need a TEN. You must be over 18 to apply for a TEN.
Personal Alcohol License
To get a personal alcohol license you must be aged 18 years or over and hold a relevant licensing qualification – for example, a BIIAB or CIEH Level 2 Award.
Premises License
If you plan to sell alcohol alongside your food or intend to serve hot food and drinks after standard restaurant operating hours, you’ll need a premises license.
Other requirements include:
- A street trading licence if selling food on the street or in a market.
- Check the class of use of the premises with the planning department.
- Ensure food safety for selling and preparing food at markets.
Cost of Alcohol Licence
A personal licence costs £37.
Regulatory Overview
In the UK, pubs, restaurants, shops, and other premises must be licensed to sell alcohol. Designated Premises Supervisors must hold a valid Personal Licence. Online merchants selling alcohol need to ensure not to sell to under 18s and follow all legal requirements. Operating a business selling alcohol in England/Wales requires a licence from the local council.
Legal Requirements
To sell alcohol online you need both personal and premises licences. Supermarkets can sell alcohol 10am-10pm, 7 days a week in Scotland, and the law in England allows 24-hour alcohol sales. Licensing laws are set by the UK/Scottish/Welsh parliaments.