The Spirits Regulations 1991

PART II Approval of plant and processes and entry of premises

Approval of plant and processes

4.—(1) Before a distiller manufactures spirits he shall make written application to the officer 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 drawing, model or description distinctly showing the course, construction and use of all 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.

Entry of premises

5.—(1) A distiller receiving approval under regulation 4 above shall ensure that the manufacture of spirits does not commence before he has made entry of the premises to be used in the manufacture of spirits.

(2) Save as the Commissioners may otherwise allow, no distiller shall withdraw any entry made under paragraph (1) above while any still, spirit or distillable material remains on the premises so entered.

Variations to plant or processes

6.—(1) A distiller receiving approval under regulation 4 above shall ensure that any plant or process so approved is not 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.

Examination of plant

7.  A distiller shall to the satisfaction of the officer—

(a) place and keep all plant used by him in the manufacture of spirits in a place convenient for examination, and with safe means of access, so that the nature and quantity of the contents can be accurately ascertained;

(b) gauge or calibrate any plant;

(c) draw off the water from the worm tubs, refrigerators and cooling equipment, when required to do so at any time while distillation is not in progress, and leave those vessels empty until the officer completes his examination of them; and

(d) fix and place every pipe used by him, unless used exclusively for the discharge of water or spent wash, so as to be capable of being examined for such parts of its length as the officer may require.

General provisions as to plant

8.  A distiller shall ensure that no plant is constructed or altered in a way which would facilitate the carrying out of any unapproved process, or the interference with any approved process, and that no person tampers or interferes with any plant or process in any way not authorised by or under these Regulations.