Local craft drinks distributor
Collect drinks from small local brewers and distillers and deliver them to pubs, cafés, delis and restaurants in your area.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,300 UK companies in this field, 43% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46390 “Non-specialised wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You act as the link between small producers who lack time or reach and local venues that want interesting drinks. You buy or hold stock, take orders, store it and deliver it by van on a regular round. The range could be craft beer, cider, spirits, wine or a mix.
Your first three steps
- Make a shortlist of 5 to 10 local producers and 20 venues, then talk to both about what they would buy and at what price
- Check with HMRC whether you need to register under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme and what duty rules apply to your stock
- Arrange van access, secure dry storage and insurance, then offer a small starter range to a few friendly venues
Who pays
Independent pubs, bars, cafés, restaurants, delis, farm shops and event caterers.
How it makes money
You buy at a trade price and sell on at a margin, or take a commission from the producer. Regular repeat orders from venues on a weekly or fortnightly cycle matter most.
Skills that help
- Building relationships with producers and buyers
- Route planning and reliable delivery
- Basic stock control and record keeping
- Comfortable lifting kegs and cases
Watch out for
- Alcohol wholesalers selling to other businesses generally need to be registered with HMRC, check the current rules before you buy stock
- Check whether you need any licence from your local council for storing or supplying alcohol
- Goods in transit, public liability and van insurance that covers carrying goods for hire or reward
- Late payment from venues can squeeze cash flow, so set clear payment terms
- Heavy lifting of kegs and cases, plan for safe handling
- Storing stock at home may need permission from your landlord, lender or council
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: local craft drinks distributor
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a craft drinks distribution business in the UK?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your van, your opening stock and where you store it. The range you carry and how much you buy upfront will also affect the figure.
How much can a local craft drinks distributor earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on how many venues you supply, the range you carry and how often you deliver. Revenue is not profit, so work out your own stock and running costs.
What should I check before supplying alcohol to pubs and cafés?
Check whether you need to be registered with HMRC as an alcohol wholesaler, and whether your local council requires a licence for storing or supplying alcohol. Also check that your insurance covers goods in transit, public liability and van use for hire or reward.
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