how do i sell a barrel or 2 to pubs?

[don'tmakemegobackinthebox]

a couple of pubs here in deepest darkest wales would be keen to buy a couple of barrels of local ale but how do i go about getting my beer distributed to the masses?

[Bryggmester]

You don't, otherwise the excise man will get annoyed.

[Gurgeh]

do they have those in Wales?

[Andy]

Basically it's such a ball-ache that unless you're actually going commercial then don't bother.

(don't think about doing a "sly-one" either as HMRC are VERY thorough, have lots of powers and will do ya)

[steve_flack]

Yeah...don't even think about doing a dodgy one. They have spies everywhere.

[don'tmakemegobackinthebox]

i had imagined that a licence would be needed and some records for tax returns at the end of the year but hadn't thought about electricity/ water and trading standards. maybe i'll stick to giving my beer away to friends and family......... for now. the idea of working for myself, with my own brewery has lots of appeal.

back to the brew - an early one this morning so i can watch the rugby this afternoon.

[ECR]

Enjoy - hope it goes well!

[Bryggmester]

Hope the brew went well.

[farleyman]

a couple of pubs here in deepest darkest wales would be keen to buy a couple of barrels of local ale but how do i go about getting my beer distributed to the masses?

The relevant authorities have already been mentioned. Chances are that you will not find them discouraging. In fact probably quite the opposite
if you are serious.
They will tell you of their requirements, come and see that you comply
and the rest is up to you.
How do micros get started?


Drinking: Boddingtons Bitter Replica
Guinness Replica

[farleyman]

On my previous post I should have said that you will Probably find the authorities `encouraging` and not infering the opposite. Apologies.

[don'tmakemegobackinthebox]

thanks for the replies - i'll be making some enquires with her majestys customs and excise and the council about a personal licence so watch this space to see how i get on.

[steve_flack]

There's a book - 'The Micorbrewer's handbook' by Ted Bruning - that has a fairly decent summary of the relevant authorities you need to contact. Amazon have it.

Basically the Tax people apparently are quite straightforward. You might find the council bods more difficult.

[don'tmakemegobackinthebox]

the books on order.

many thanks

[agentgonzo]

One thing my friend did was to set up one of his barrels on the end of the bar and give it away free. There was a collection bowl in front of the barrel with labelled "suggested donation" or something like that. As he's not selling it and was just giving it away, I think it circumvented most of the restrictions.

[Andy]

One thing my friend did was to set up one of his barrels on the end of the bar and give it away free. There was a collection bowl in front of the barrel with labelled "suggested donation" or something like that. As he's not selling it and was just giving it away, I think it circumvented most of the restrictions.

I'd imagine HMRC would see things differently