The Spirits Regulations 1991

PART I U.K. Preliminary

Citation, commencement and revocation U.K.

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Spirits Regulations 1991 and shall come into force on 1st January 1992.

(2) The statutory instruments specified in column (1) of Schedule 1 to these Regulations (the references to which are specified in column (2) of that Schedule) are hereby revoked to the extent specified in column (3) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

Application U.K.

F1 2.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Reg. 2 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(2)

Interpretation U.K.

3.  In these Regulations F2 ... —

F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“class of spirits” means one of the classes of spirits specified from time to time for the purpose of these Regulations in a notice published by the Commissioners;

“the Contents by Weight Table”, “the Laboratory Alcohol Table” and “the Practical Alcohol Tables” mean respectively a set of tables of which a copy, signed by the Chairman of the Commissioners and identifying the tables as being ones to which these Regulations relate, has been deposited in the office of the Queen’s Remembrancer at the Royal Courts of Justice;

“distillation period” means the period prescribed by regulation 10 below in respect of each class of spirits;

F6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“plant” means [F11 the vessels] used for the manufacture [F12 , rectifying or compounding] of spirits, or for the storage or processing of materials for the manufacture [F12 , rectifying or compounding] of spirits or for the storage of spirits after their manufacture [F12 , rectifying or compounding];

“process” includes an operation carried on in order to manufacture spirits, and an operation on spirits after their manufacture;

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“warehouse” means a place of security approved by the Commissioners under subsection (1) (whether or not it is also approved under subsection (2)) of section 92 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979(1) and also includes a distiller’s warehouse;

“warehouse vat” means a vessel which forms the whole or a part of a distiller’s warehouse;

F14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(a)

F3 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(i)

F4 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(ii)

F5 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(4)(i)

F6 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(iii)

F7 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(iv)

F8 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(v)

F9 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(vi)

F10 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(vii)

F11 Words in reg. 3 substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(4)(iii)

F12 Words in reg. 3 inserted (1.7.2013) by The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(c)

F13 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(viii)

F14 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(x)

F15 Words in reg. 3 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)(ix)

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 3 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

PART II U.K. Approval of plant and processes and entry of premises

Approval of plant and processes U.K.

4.—(1) Before a distiller manufactures spirits he shall make [F16 application in writing or by means of an electronic communication] to the [F17 Commissioners] for approval of the plant and processes he intends to use.

(2) Any application made under paragraph (1) above shall be accompanied by a description of the processes referred to in it, and a [F18 description of] the plant referred to in it, together with such additional information as the Commissioners may require.

(3) No distiller shall begin to manufacture spirits until he has received the approval of the Commissioners of the plant and processes referred to in his application under paragraph (1) above, and any such approval may be given subject to conditions.

(4) The Commissioners may for reasonable cause at any time vary or add to any conditions imposed on the approval of any plant or process, or withdraw any such approval.

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in reg. 4(1) substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(5)

F17 Word in Regulation substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(3)

F18 Words in reg. 4(2) substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(6)

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 4 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

Entry of premises U.K.

F19 5.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F19 Reg. 5 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Variations to plant or processes U.K.

6.—(1) A distiller receiving approval under regulation 4 above shall ensure that any plant or process so approved is not [F20 significantly] varied, altered or changed unless the variation, alteration or change is first approved by the Commissioners, and any such approval may be given subject to conditions.

(2) Application for the approval of any variation, alteration or change to any plant or process shall be in such form and manner and shall provide such details, including a written description, drawing or model, as the Commissioners may require.

(3) The Commissioners may for reasonable cause at any time vary or add to any conditions imposed on the approval of any variation, alteration or change of any plant or process, or withdraw any such approval.

Textual Amendments

F20 Word in reg. 6(1) inserted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(7)

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 6 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

Rectifiers and compounders: entry of premises and plant U.K.

F21 7.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21 Reg. 7 omitted (31.7.2023) by virtue of The Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, Part 2 (Alcohol Duty) (Appointed Day, Savings, Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/884), Sch. para. 6

General provisions as to plant U.K.

F22 8.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F22 Reg. 8 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

PART III U.K. Conduct of processes

Special conditions and requirements U.K.

F23 9.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Reg. 9 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Distillation periods U.K.

10.—(1) A distiller shall conduct his operations in separate distillation periods for each class of spiritsF24 ....

(2) A distiller may conduct his operations so that more than one distillation period is in progress at any one time.

(3) In respect of each batch of wort which he makes, the distiller shall specify to which distillation period it belongs, and a distillation period shall commence at the date when production of the earliest of the wort included in it commences.

(4) Each distillation period shall end when all the wort specified to belong to it has been distilled and the feints and spirits produced therefrom have been conveyed into their receivers and account has been taken of them.

(5) Save as the [F17 Commissioners] may otherwise allow, a distiller shall conduct his operations so that no distillation period exceeds one month in length.

Textual Amendments

F17 Word in Regulation substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(3)

F24 Words in reg. 10(1) omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(8)

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 10 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

Produce of distillation periods U.K.

11.—(1) Save as the Commissioners may otherwise allow, a distiller shall ensure that the produce of any distillation period is not mixed with any other matter until account of that produce has been taken in such manner and to such an extent as the [F17 Commissioners] may require.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) above, before account is taken of the produce of any distillation period it may be mixed with feints of which account has been taken in an earlier distillation period.

Textual Amendments

F17 Word in Regulation substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(3)

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 11 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

Provisions as to wort or wash etc. U.K.

F25 12.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25 Reg. 12 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Sugar U.K.

F26 13.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F26 Reg. 13 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Gravity of wort or wash U.K.

F27 14.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27 Reg. 14 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Ascertainment of original gravity after fermentation has commenced (1st method) U.K.

F28 15.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 Reg. 15 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Ascertainment of original gravity after fermentation has commenced (2nd method) U.K.

F29 16.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 Reg. 16 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

PART IV U.K. Taking account of spirits produced

Taking account U.K.

F30 17.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F30 Reg. 17 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Ascertainment of strength of spirits U.K.

F31 18.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 Reg. 18 omitted (31.7.2023) by virtue of The Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, Part 2 (Alcohol Duty) (Appointed Day, Savings, Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/884), Sch. para. 6

Ascertainment of volume of spirits U.K.

F32 19.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 Reg. 19 omitted (31.7.2023) by virtue of The Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, Part 2 (Alcohol Duty) (Appointed Day, Savings, Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/884), Sch. para. 6

Application of regulations 18 and 19 U.K.

F33 20.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F33 Reg. 20 omitted (31.7.2023) by virtue of The Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, Part 2 (Alcohol Duty) (Appointed Day, Savings, Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/884), Sch. para. 6

PART V U.K. Distillers' records

Entry books U.K.

F34 21.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F34 Reg. 21 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Notice of commencement of process U.K.

F35 22.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35 Reg. 22 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Preservation and production of records U.K.

F36 23.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F36 Reg. 23 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Requirements in respect of distillation periods U.K.

F37 24.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F37 Reg. 24 omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

Quarterly distillery returns U.K.

25.  Within 14 days of the end of each calendar quarter the distiller shall furnish to the [F17 Commissioners] a return in respect of that quarter, which shall be made in such form and manner and shall contain such particulars as the Commissioners may from time to time direct.

Textual Amendments

F17 Word in Regulation substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(3)

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 25 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

PART VI U.K. Warehousing

Warehousing U.K.

26.—(1) A distiller shall not warehouse any spirits until he has taken account of them in such manner and to such extent as the [F17 Commissioners] may require F38 ...

(2) Save as the Commissioners may otherwise allow, when spirits of which account has been taken are contained in a spirit receiver which is not also F39 ... a warehouse vat the distiller shall remove them to a warehouse immediately F40 ...

(3) When spirits of which account has been taken are contained in a spirit receiver which is also F39 ... a warehouse vat those spirits shall be deemed to be warehoused as soon as account of them has been [F41 taken].

F42 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Where spirits remain in a warehouse vat which is also F39 ... a spirit receiver, the distiller shall take account of such spirits before the warehouse vat is used as a spirit receiver F43 ...

Textual Amendments

F17 Word in Regulation substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(3)

F38 Words in reg. 26(1) omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(10)

F39 Words in reg. 26 omitted (1.7.2013) by virtue of The Spirits (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1229), regs. 1, 3(7)

F40 Words in reg. 26(2) omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(11)

F41 Word in reg. 26(3) substituted (1.5.2006) by The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(12)

F42 Reg. 26(4) omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(2)

F43 Words in reg. 26(5) omitted (1.5.2006) by virtue of The Beer, Cider and Perry, Spirits, and Wine and Made-wine (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1058), regs. 1, 5(13)

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 26 in force at 1.1.1992, see reg. 1(1)

D. F. O. Battle

Commissioner of Customs and Excise

New King’s Beam House 22 Upper Ground London SE1 9PJ