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Alcohol Glossary

A concise reference to 100 UK alcohol production, product, labelling, serving, licensing, duty and trade terms, each checked against authoritative material.

100 defined terms

6 subject areas

Last reviewed

Strength, measurement and labellingProduction and ingredientsBeer, cider, wine and spiritsPackaging and dispenseLicensing and retailDuty, trade and provenance

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Search terms, abbreviations, aliases and definitions.

Showing 100 of 100 terms

A

Strength, measurement and labelling

ABV (alcohol by volume)

Abbreviation: ABV · Also: alcohol by volume

Permanent link

Summary: ABV expresses alcoholic strength as the percentage of a product's volume that is alcohol, measured at 20°C for UK duty purposes.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 11.2, Alcoholic strength

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Alcohol Duty

Permanent link

Summary: Alcohol Duty is the UK tax charged on alcoholic products exceeding 1.2% ABV when released for consumption, calculated from their litres of pure alcohol and applicable strength-based rate.

Reference: Work out how much Alcohol Duty you need to pay (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Products you pay Alcohol Duty on and How to calculate Alcohol Duty

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)

Abbreviation: AWRS

Permanent link

Summary: The Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme is HMRC approval for businesses selling duty-paid alcohol to other businesses for onward sale, excluding sales made wholly within duty suspension.

Reference: AWRS20700 - The scheme: why is wholesaling defined in terms of controlled activity/ controlled liquor? (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Opening paragraph and numbered item 1

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Alcohol-free descriptor

Also: alcohol free

EnglandPermanent link

Summary: In England, the alcohol-free descriptor should apply only to a drink from which alcohol has been extracted and which contains no more than 0.05% ABV.

Reference: Low Alcohol Descriptors Guidance (opens in a new tab)

Department of Health and Social Care · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 4, The Descriptors: Alcohol free

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Alcoholic Products Producer Approval (APPA)

Abbreviation: APPA

Permanent link

Summary: An Alcoholic Products Producer Approval applies to producers intending to make beer, cider, wine, spirits or other fermented products, subject to exemptions described by HMRC.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Sections 4.2 and 4.4, When you need an APPA

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Alcoholic strength

Also: alcohol strength

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, alcoholic strength is the ratio of alcohol volume to total product volume, expressed as a percentage at 20°C and commonly shown as ABV.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 11.2, Alcoholic strength

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Ale

Permanent link

Summary: Ale is beer fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, which generally work at warmer temperatures than the strains used for lager.

Reference: Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Production of Fermented Beverages (opens in a new tab)

Abertay University · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 2, Table 1, and page 3

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Aromatised wine

Also: aromatized wine

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, aromatised wine category rules include at least 75% specified grapevine products, flavouring, actual alcoholic strength of at least 14.5% but under 22% ABV, and total alcoholic strength of at least 17.5%.

Reference: Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Article 3(2)(a)–(g)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Attenuation

Permanent link

Summary: In HMRC's Alcohol Duty glossary, attenuation means the decrease in a liquid's gravity during fermentation.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Attenuation

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

B

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Bitter

Permanent link

Summary: In British brewing usage, bitter is an amber, bitter-flavoured beer style described in older official material as the draught form of light or pale ale.

Reference: A Report on the Supply of Beer (opens in a new tab)

Monopolies Commission · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 16 (printed page 6), paragraph 18

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Blended Scotch Whisky

ScotlandPermanent link

Summary: A blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies is Blended Scotch Whisky.

Reference: The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Regulation 3(2), definition of Blended Scotch Whisky

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Blending

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, blending means mixing two or more alcoholic products, including separate batches of the same type, such as two brews of beer.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 7.11, Mixing of alcoholic products

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Botanicals

Permanent link

Summary: Botanicals are natural plant materials used in gin production, including juniper and other ingredients selected to contribute flavour and aroma.

Reference: Dovey Native Botanical Gin Product Specification (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF pages 2–3 and page 7, Method of production

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Bottle-conditioned beer

Permanent link

Summary: Bottle conditioning describes unfinished beer that continues fermentation in its bottle after leaving production premises, increasing its alcoholic strength before sale.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 11.3, Cask conditioned products

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Brandy

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, brandy is a spirit drink made from wine spirit and meeting category rules that include limits on added wine distillate, minimum oak maturation periods and at least 36% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 5(a)–(f)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Brewing

Permanent link

Summary: Brewing is the sequence of mashing malted grain, boiling the resulting wort with hops, cooling it, adding yeast and fermenting its sugars.

Reference: Case Study: Brewery (opens in a new tab)

University of Bristol · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Body paragraph beginning Brewing is pretty much the traditional definition

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

C

Production and ingredients

Carbonation

Permanent link

Summary: Carbonation is incorporating carbon dioxide into a product under pressure, either directly with equipment or through fermentation completed after packaging.

Reference: Understanding small cidermakers in the UK (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Glossary table, Carbonation

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Packaging and dispense

Cask

Permanent link

Summary: In the cited UK report, a cask is a wooden or metal container that admits air through a bung-hole as beer is drawn off.

Reference: A Report on the Supply of Beer (opens in a new tab)

Monopolies Commission · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 18 (printed page 8), paragraph 21

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Cask-conditioned beer

Permanent link

Summary: For this term, cask conditioning means fermentation continues in the cask from which the beer is served.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Cask conditioned alcoholic product

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Northern IrelandPermanent link

Summary: In Northern Ireland, a certificate of registration authorises a registered club to supply alcohol to members and guests, separately from the liquor licence system for other premises.

Reference: Selling alcohol in licensed premises and registered clubs (opens in a new tab)

Northern Ireland Executive · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Registered clubs, opening paragraph

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Cider

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, cider is a product obtained by fermentation of apple or pear juice, meeting prescribed juice and ingredient requirements and below 8.5% ABV.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.2, Cider, opening bullets

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Club premises certificate

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, a club premises certificate may allow a qualifying club to supply alcohol to members and sell it to guests without a Designated Premises Supervisor, depending on its terms.

Reference: Club premises certificate (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Eligibility and What the certificate allows, first two bullets

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

D

Strength, measurement and labelling

De-alcoholised descriptor

Also: dealcoholised, de-alcoholized

EnglandPermanent link

Summary: In England, the de-alcoholised descriptor should apply only to a drink from which alcohol has been extracted and which contains no more than 0.5% ABV.

Reference: Low Alcohol Descriptors Guidance (opens in a new tab)

Department of Health and Social Care · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 4, The Descriptors: De-alcoholised

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Declared strength

Permanent link

Summary: Declared strength is a producer's target ABV for a product, against which monitoring results are compared and around which their average should remain.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 11.4, Due care

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

Abbreviation: DPS

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, a Designated Premises Supervisor has day-to-day responsibility for running a business that sells alcohol and must hold a personal licence.

Reference: Alcohol licensing (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Designated premises supervisors, opening paragraph, and Becoming a DPS

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Distillation

Permanent link

Summary: Distillation is the production stage after fermentation in which a fermented mixture is processed to obtain newly distilled spirit.

Reference: Producing Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream or Irish Poteen (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Glossary table, Distillation

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Packaging and dispense

Draught product

Also: draught alcoholic product

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Draught Relief, a draught product is an alcoholic product below 8.5% ABV held at the duty point in, or destined for, a container of at least 20 litres connected to a dispense system.

Reference: Check if you can pay less Alcohol Duty on draught alcoholic products (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Who can get the reduced rate; Eligible products; Draught containers

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Draught Relief

Permanent link

Summary: Draught Relief allows a reduced Alcohol Duty rate on qualifying draught products below 8.5% ABV when the producer, importer or excise warehousekeeper meets the scheme conditions.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Sections 12.14 and 12.14.1

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Duty point

Permanent link

Summary: For Alcohol Duty, a duty point is the time when duty on an alcoholic product becomes payable, whether or not payment is deferred.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Duty point

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Duty suspension

Permanent link

Summary: Duty suspension is an arrangement allowing excise goods to be produced, processed, held, received and dispatched without payment of the Excise Duty otherwise due.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Duty suspension

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

E

Duty, trade and provenance

Excise Duty

Permanent link

Summary: Excise Duty is the broader category of duty charged on specified excise goods; Alcohol Duty applies within that category to alcoholic products.

Reference: Goods liable to excise duty (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Introduction and Background

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS)

Abbreviation: EMCS

Permanent link

Summary: The Excise Movement and Control System is the UK and EU computer system that records, validates and notifies movements of excise goods, including goods moving under duty suspension within the UK.

Reference: How to register and use the Excise Movement and Control System (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Overview and the following movement rules

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Excise warehouse

Permanent link

Summary: An excise warehouse is premises approved by HMRC for storing goods on which Excise Duty is suspended; it is also a tax warehouse.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Excise warehouse

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

F

Production and ingredients

Fermentation

Permanent link

Summary: Fermentation is the production stage in which yeast converts sugars into alcohol, ending before any subsequent distillation stage begins.

Reference: Producing Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream or Irish Poteen (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Glossary table, Fermentation

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Final gravity

Abbreviation: FG · Also: present gravity

Permanent link

Summary: Final gravity is the specific, or present, gravity measured after fermentation has ceased, used with original gravity when calculating a beer's alcoholic strength.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 11.8, step 2 and the worked example

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Fortification

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, fortification is the production process of mixing wine or another product made by fermentation with one or more spirits.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Fortification

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Fortified wine

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, wine includes products obtained from fermenting fresh grapes or grape must whether or not they are fortified with spirits.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.3, Wine, opening paragraph and fortification subsection

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

G

Duty, trade and provenance

Geographical Indication (GI)

Abbreviation: GI

Permanent link

Summary: A Geographical Indication is intellectual-property protection for registered product names with a geographical connection; Great Britain's scheme includes Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication, while EU schemes apply in Northern Ireland.

Reference: Protected geographical food and drink names: UK GI schemes (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Opening four paragraphs and UK GI scheme logos and product labelling

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Gin

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, gin is a juniper-flavoured spirit drink made by flavouring agricultural ethyl alcohol with common juniper berries, with a predominantly juniper taste and at least 37.5% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 20(a)–(c)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Grist

Permanent link

Summary: Grist is malted or unmalted cereal grain milled into a coarse flour before it is mixed with hot water for mashing.

Reference: English Whisky Product Specification (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF pages 5–6, Stage 1: Malting and Stage 2: Mashing

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

H

Strength, measurement and labelling

Hectolitre

Abbreviation: hl

Permanent link

Summary: In HMRC's technical guide for UK Alcohol Duty, one hectolitre is equal to 100 litres.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Hectolitre

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Hops

Permanent link

Summary: Hops are a brewing ingredient boiled with wort before it is cooled and fermented with yeast to become beer.

Reference: Case Study: Brewery (opens in a new tab)

University of Bristol · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Body paragraph beginning Brewing is pretty much the traditional definition

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

I

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

India Pale Ale (IPA)

Abbreviation: IPA

Permanent link

Summary: India Pale Ale (IPA) is a pale, bitter beer style made with a comparatively high proportion of hops and developed in Burton for nineteenth-century export to India.

Reference: Drinking in Victorian and Edwardian Britain (opens in a new tab)

University of Strathclyde · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 69 (printed page 59), Chapter 6

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

K

Packaging and dispense

Keg

Permanent link

Summary: The cited UK report describes a keg as a steel bulk container kept under carbon-dioxide pressure, which forces beer up to the tap.

Reference: A Report on the Supply of Beer (opens in a new tab)

Monopolies Commission · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 18 (printed page 8), paragraph 22

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

L

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Lager

Permanent link

Summary: Lager is beer fermented with Saccharomyces pastorianus strains, which generally work at cooler temperatures than those used for ale.

Reference: Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Production of Fermented Beverages (opens in a new tab)

Abertay University · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 2, Table 1, and page 3

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Legal name

Northern IrelandPermanent link

Summary: In Northern Ireland, a spirit drink's legal name is the applicable regulated category name displayed on its label, packaging and presentation.

Reference: Labelling spirit drinks (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Display the name of the spirit: Displaying the spirit name in Northern Ireland

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Licensing authority

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, a licensing authority is the local body, usually the council, responsible for premises licence and other alcohol-licensing decisions in its area.

Reference: Alcohol licensing (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Overview and UK GDPR, opening paragraphs

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Licensing Board (Scotland)

ScotlandPermanent link

Summary: In Scotland, a Licensing Board exists for each undivided council area and for each licensing division of a divided council area.

Reference: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 5(1)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Liqueur

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, liqueur is a spirit drink made using agricultural alcohol, distillate or spirit drinks, sweetened to the category's prescribed minimum and containing at least 15% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 32(a)–(e)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Liquor licence (Northern Ireland)

Also: liquor license Northern Ireland

Northern IrelandPermanent link

Summary: In Northern Ireland, a liquor licence is County Court authorisation required to sell alcohol from licensed premises, distinct from a certificate of registration for a club.

Reference: Selling alcohol in licensed premises and registered clubs (opens in a new tab)

Northern Ireland Executive · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Page opening, Liquor licence, Applying for a liquor licence and Registered clubs

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Litre of pure alcohol (LPA)

Abbreviation: LPA · Also: litres of pure alcohol, pure alcohol litres

Permanent link

Summary: HMRC uses litres of pure alcohol (LPA) as the quantity found by multiplying product volume in litres by its ABV.

Reference: W5 Remittance advice for alcohol goods (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 2, Notes for completing form W5: Calculation of Excise Duty

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

London gin

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, London gin is a distilled gin meeting category requirements that include exclusively botanical-derived flavour, no colouring, limited added sugar and at least 37.5% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 22

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Low-alcohol descriptor

Also: low alcohol

EnglandPermanent link

Summary: In England, the low-alcohol descriptor should apply only to a drink at or below 1.2% ABV, with its maximum ABV stated on the label.

Reference: Low Alcohol Descriptors Guidance (opens in a new tab)

Department of Health and Social Care · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF pages 3–4, introduction 1.2 and The Descriptors: Low alcohol

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

M

Production and ingredients

Maceration

Permanent link

Summary: Maceration is the process of soaking botanicals in liquid, commonly a reduced ethanol-and-water solution in gin production, to soften plant material and extract flavour compounds.

Reference: Dovey Native Botanical Gin Product Specification (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF pages 8–9, Maceration and Rectification

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Malt

Permanent link

Summary: Malt is cereal grain steeped in water, allowed to germinate, dried in a kiln, then milled into coarse grist.

Reference: English Whisky Product Specification (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF pages 5–6, Stage 1: Malting

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Mash

Permanent link

Summary: Mash is the mixture of milled cereal grain and hot water prepared during mashing so grain starch can be converted into fermentable sugars.

Reference: English Whisky Product Specification (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 6, Stage 2: Mashing

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Mashing

Permanent link

Summary: Mashing is the brewhouse operation of adding grist to water and heating it so malt starch is enzymically converted into fermentable sugars.

Reference: Assessment of the Effects of Agitation on Mashing for Beer Production in a Small-Scale Vessel (opens in a new tab)

University of Birmingham · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Abstract, first paragraph

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Maturation

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: Maturation or ageing allows reactions to develop naturally in appropriate containers, giving a spirit drink organoleptic qualities it did not previously have.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex I, point 8, Maturation or ageing

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Must

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: Grape must is the liquid product obtained naturally or by physical processes from fresh grapes; up to 1% ABV is permitted.

Reference: Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex VII, Part II, point 10, Grape must

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

N

Strength, measurement and labelling

Nominal volume

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: Under Great Britain's packaged-goods rules, nominal volume is the nominal quantity indicated by volume at 20°C; where alcoholic strength labelling applies, both indications share the same field of vision.

Reference: Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006: Guidance (opens in a new tab)

Office for Product Safety and Standards · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF pages 7–8, sections 8 and 12

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

O

Licensing and retail

Occasional licence (Scotland)

ScotlandPermanent link

Summary: In Scotland, an occasional licence authorises alcohol sales on otherwise unlicensed premises for a period set by the Licensing Board, not exceeding 14 days.

Reference: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 56(1) and 56(5)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Off-sales

Also: off sales

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, off-sales are retail alcohol sales authorised by a premises licence for consumption away from the licensed premises.

Reference: Premises licence guidance (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.6, Box J, sale by retail of alcohol

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Off-trade

Also: off trade

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, the off-trade comprises premises licensed primarily for off-sales of alcohol, including off-licences, supermarkets, convenience stores and specialist retailers.

Reference: National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors (web version) (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Sections 3–4, Scope of the framework

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

On-sales

Also: on sales

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, on-sales are retail alcohol sales authorised by a premises licence for consumption on the licensed premises.

Reference: Premises licence guidance (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.6, Box J, sale by retail of alcohol

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

On-trade

Also: on trade

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, the on-trade includes premises authorised for on-sales, regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment, such as pubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, hotels and nightclubs.

Reference: National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors (web version) (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 3, Scope of the framework, opening definition

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Original gravity

Abbreviation: OG

Permanent link

Summary: In HMRC's Alcohol Duty glossary, original gravity is the specific gravity of wort before fermentation.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Original gravity

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Other fermented product (OFP)

Abbreviation: OFP

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, an other fermented product is fermented, or made by mixing a fermented product with something else, but is not beer, cider, wine or spirits.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.4, Other fermented products, opening definition

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

P

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Perry

Also: pear cider

Permanent link

Summary: Perry is the traditional name for the pear-juice counterpart to cider, which is traditionally made from apple juice.

Reference: Alcohol duty review: Call for evidence (opens in a new tab)

HM Treasury · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 18 (printed page 14), paragraph 2.15, footnote 1

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Personal licence

Also: personal license

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, a personal licence allows its holder to sell or authorise alcohol sales for a business operating under a premises licence.

Reference: Alcohol licensing (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Personal licence, first three paragraphs

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Pilsner

Permanent link

Summary: Pilsner is a bottom-fermented beer style classified with lager, in contrast with top-fermented ale styles.

Reference: Progress and modeling of cold contact fermentation for alcohol-free beer production: A review (opens in a new tab)

University of Edinburgh · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 3 (manuscript page 2), lines 34–35

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Packaging and dispense

Pint

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, a pint is a legal capacity measure equal to 0.56826125 litres, while a hectolitre is 100 litres.

Reference: Weights and Measures Act 1985 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Schedule 1, Part IV, Measurement of Capacity

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Porter

Permanent link

Summary: Porter is a beer style historically described in official UK material as a weaker, mild-flavoured stout.

Reference: A Report on the Supply of Beer (opens in a new tab)

Monopolies Commission · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 16 (printed page 6), paragraph 18

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Premises licence

Also: premises license

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, a premises licence can authorise regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, on-sales and off-sales of alcohol, according to the activities included in its scope.

Reference: Premises licence guidance (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Sections 1.1 and 2.6, Box J

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Licensing and retail

Premises manager (Scotland)

ScotlandPermanent link

Summary: In Scotland, a premises manager is the individual specified as such in a premises licence; one individual cannot be premises manager for more than one licensed premises at a time.

Reference: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Sections 19(1) and 19(2)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

Abbreviation: PDO

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: Under Great Britain's Geographical Indication scheme, a Protected Designation of Origin requires production, processing and preparation in the identified area, with the product's qualities and characteristics arising exclusively from that area.

Reference: Protect a geographical food or drink name (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Protected food names scheme: Protected designation of origin (PDO)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

Abbreviation: PGI

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: Under Great Britain's Geographical Indication scheme, a Protected Geographical Indication requires at least one important production, processing or preparation stage in the identified area, to which its reputation, qualities or characteristics are attributable.

Reference: Protect a geographical food or drink name (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Protected food names scheme: Protected geographical indication (PGI)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

R

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Ready-to-drink (RTD)

Abbreviation: RTD · Also: ready to drink

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, ready-to-drink products made using fermented alcohol can be other fermented products, while any mixture or compound made with spirits is classed as spirits.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.4 final sentence and Section 2.5 opening definition

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Rum

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, rum is produced exclusively by fermentation and distillation of sugar-cane molasses, syrup or juice, retains rum's characteristic profile, is unflavoured and has at least 37.5% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 1(a)–(f)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

S

Strength, measurement and labelling

Sales denomination

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, a spirit drink's sales denomination is its regulated category name, displayed on the label, packaging and presentation when the category definition is met.

Reference: Labelling spirit drinks (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Display the name of the spirit: Displaying the spirit name in Great Britain

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Scotch Whisky

ScotlandPermanent link

Summary: In Scotland, Scotch Whisky requirements include distillation there from water, malted barley and permitted cereals; maturation there in oak casks no larger than 700 litres for at least three years; and at least 40% ABV.

Reference: The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Regulation 3(1)(a)–(i)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Shandy

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, shandy is beer mixed with lemonade or another specified non-alcoholic drink and remains classified as beer when no stronger than 5.5% ABV.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.1.1, beer-based mixed drinks between 1.2% and 5.5% ABV

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

ScotlandPermanent link

Summary: A Scotch Whisky is Single Malt Scotch Whisky when distilled in one or more batches at one distillery, using only water and malted barley in pot stills.

Reference: The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Regulation 3(2), definition of Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Duty, trade and provenance

Small Producer Relief

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, Small Producer Relief can reduce Alcohol Duty on eligible products below 8.5% ABV made by qualifying producers whose annual pure-alcohol production does not exceed 4,500 hectolitres.

Reference: Check if you're eligible for Small Producer Relief on Alcohol Duty (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Who can get the relief and Eligibility for Northern Ireland

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Sparkling cider

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, sparkling cider is cider held at three bar or more excess carbon-dioxide pressure, or in a bottle with a secured mushroom stopper.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.2, Cider, paragraph following the opening definition

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Sparkling wine

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, sparkling wine comes from a cuvée with total alcoholic strength of at least 8.5% vol and has at least 3 bar excess pressure at 20°C in a closed container.

Reference: Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex VII, Part II, point 4, Sparkling wine

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Specific gravity

Permanent link

Summary: In HMRC's Alcohol Duty glossary, specific gravity is the ratio of a liquid's weight to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Gravity

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Strength, measurement and labelling

Specified quantity

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: A specified quantity is a fixed size in which goods must be sold; Great Britain prescribes serving measures for still wine and fortified wine, and package volumes for those wines and spirit drinks.

Reference: Weights and measures: the law (opens in a new tab)

Department for Business and Trade · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Specified quantities introduction and the Alcohol tables

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Spirit drink

Also: spirits

Permanent link

Summary: Under UK labelling guidance, a spirit drink is made from agricultural ingredients and has at least 15% ABV, except egg liqueur, which may be at least 14% ABV.

Reference: Labelling spirit drinks (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Introductory bullet list before Display the name of the spirit

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Packaging and dispense

Spirit measure

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, a spirit measure for gin, rum, vodka or whisky is either 25 ml or 35 ml, and multiples thereof; both sizes cannot be used on the same premises.

Reference: Weights and measures: the law (opens in a new tab)

Department for Business and Trade · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Specified quantities: Alcohol: By the glass

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Still wine

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, wine is a still alcoholic product when not rendered sparkling; rendering sparkling requires strength above 5.5% ABV plus specified pressure or mushroom-stopper conditions.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Still alcoholic product and Rendering sparkling

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Stout

Permanent link

Summary: Stout is a very dark beer style that may have a sweet or bitter flavour; older official UK material records draught, bottled and canned forms.

Reference: A Report on the Supply of Beer (opens in a new tab)

Monopolies Commission · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 16 (printed page 6), paragraph 18

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

T

Licensing and retail

Temporary Event Notice (TEN)

Abbreviation: TEN

England and WalesPermanent link

Summary: In England and Wales, a Temporary Event Notice covers a temporary event involving alcohol sales, late-night refreshment or regulated entertainment, subject to fewer than 500 people and no more than 168 hours.

Reference: Alcohol licensing (opens in a new tab)

Home Office · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Temporary events, opening and threshold paragraphs

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

V

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Vodka

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, vodka is a spirit drink made from agricultural ethyl alcohol produced by yeast fermentation, then distilled or rectified to reduce raw-material characteristics, and has at least 37.5% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 15(a)–(d)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

W

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Whisky

Also: whiskey

Great BritainPermanent link

Summary: In Great Britain, whisky is made from malted-cereal mash, distilled below 94.8% ABV, matured in wooden casks no larger than 700 litres for at least three years, and has at least 40% ABV.

Reference: Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (opens in a new tab)

legislation.gov.uk · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Annex II, category 2(a)–(e)

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Packaging and dispense

Widget

Permanent link

Summary: A widget is a device inserted into a can or bottle to recreate the effect of a draught product when its contents are poured.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 30, Widget

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Wine

Permanent link

Summary: For UK Alcohol Duty, wine is a product obtained by fermentation of fresh grapes or fresh-grape must, whether or not it is fortified with spirits.

Reference: Alcoholic products technical guide (opens in a new tab)

HM Revenue and Customs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: Section 2.3, Wine, opening paragraph

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Production and ingredients

Wort

Permanent link

Summary: Wort is the sugary liquid obtained during mashing after enzymes convert cereal starch into fermentable sugars, before yeast is added.

Reference: English Whisky Product Specification (opens in a new tab)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 6, Stage 2: Mashing and Stage 3: Fermentation

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms

Y

Production and ingredients

Yeast

Permanent link

Summary: In beverage fermentation, yeasts convert sugars in wort or must into alcohol and carbon dioxide; selected cultures are often added, while some fermentations use naturally occurring yeasts.

Reference: Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Production of Fermented Beverages (opens in a new tab)

Abertay University · Reference checked 21 July 2026

Where to look: PDF page 1 abstract and pages 2–3

The summary above is a concise paraphrase of the cited material. It is not a quotation or a complete statement of law.

Related terms