There are a couple of threads on here about folks "going pro" but there isn't a specific how to.
A rough list (but not exact!!) follows:
It's something along the lines of identify location for brewery.
Speak to local authority about planning and Environment Agency about water usage and effluent discharge.
Local Authority may want planning permission or change of use which could lead you to need to pay business rates if it is based at your home assuming they would grant planning in the first place.
Env Health would inspect for hygiene and suitability of building and register you as brewing business. If you haven't already discussed with planners, Env Health being a local authority department usually mention it to planning.
Env Agency or water board would probably charge effluent rates for discharge.
You only need a personal licence to sell if you are selling directly to public in bottles or casks etc. If you restrict your sales to the licensed trade only you don't need a personal licence.
You don't need a premises licence unless you plant to sell directly from the premises or plan to offer tastings after a brewery tour.
You need to register with HMRC to pay your duty.
It sounds worse than it really is I suspect..... some say that the Local Authority Planners tends to be the most unnerving stage as they don't tend to know what they are dealing with and jump in at the deep end with change of use, business rates and the whole nine yards rather than viewing it as a paid hobby at home.
The Micro brewers Handbook is a jolly informative read but doesn't go into great detail about the regs.
michking said:
I searched and didn't find this. Is there a guide to getting legal/registering? I'm in the UK.
I assume something to the effect of 1) register business 2) Get alcohol (handling) licence 3) get license to sell (bottles/kegs only, no retail site/tap room)
I have some interest from a couple pubs and some local shops but no idea on how to do it all... thanks in advance!