Spirits and denatured alcohol

Why do restrictions exist for the sale of spirits/denatured alcohol?

Can be used in manufacturing illicit drugs, explosive devices and inappropriately consumed

What does the term spirits cover?

Any spirits - ethyl alcohol, all liquor missed with spirits

What does the term spirits NOT cover?

Denatured alcohol - used separately to cover alcohol rendered unsuitable for drinking

What are the 3 types of denatured alcohol?

• Completely denatured (CDA)

• Industrial denatured alcohol (IDA)

• Trade specific denatured alcohol (TSDA)

What act imposes restrictions on selling alcohol and requires persons selling intoxicating liquor to hold a justice’s license?

Licensing Act 2003

When is a justice’s license not needed for selling intoxicating liquor?

Sale of spirits used as part of a medicine by a pharmacist - classified as medicinal product

When would pharmacists need the justice’s license?

Selling tonic wines unless classified as medicinal products

When can duty on spirits be claimed back in pharmacy?

Used solely for medicinal/scientific purposes

Where must pharmacies obtain duty-free spirits from?

Excise warehouse - duty cannot be reclaimed for goods obtained from usual wholesalers

What will a pharmacy be paid based on if alcohol 96% or ethanol 90% is requested on an NHS prescription alone or as an ingredient in a product to be used EXTERNALLY?

Dispensing IDA

What will a pharmacy be paid based on if alcohol 96% or ethanol 90% is requested on an NHS prescription alone or as an ingredient in a product to be used INTERNALLY?

Pharmacy can claim back any duty paid to HMRC - unless claimed as rebate, must endorse rebate claimed

What did completely denatured alcohol used to be known as?

Mineralised methylated spirit

What is completely denatured alcohol used for?

Heating, lighting, general domestic use

What is the standard formulation of CDA?

100 parts alcohol, 3 parts isopropyl alcohol, 3 parts methyl ethyl ketone and 1g denatonium benzoate

What was the requirement for CDA prior to 2013?

Powdered aniline dye to formulation for purple colour

Where can CDA be purchased from?

Pharmacies, DIY shops

What is industrial denatured alcohol usually mixed with?

Wood naphtha or appropriate substance

What act contains the legislation surrounding CDA, IDA, TSDA?

Denatured alcohol regulations 2005

What is the main use of IDA?

Solvent for industrial purposes, external medicinal purposes

What must pharmacies obtain to obtain IDA?

Written authorisation from HMRC which details what they are entitled to receive, purpose and conditions which must be observed

Where can authorised pharmacists obtain IDA from in quantities of 20 or more?

Authorised producer or distributor/wholesaler

Where can authorised pharmacists obtain IDA from in quantities of less than 20 litres?

Other authorised users e.g., other pharmacists

What must pharmacies ensure about IDA?

• Only use as set in authorisation

• Keep records of dealing e.g., invoices, receipts, records of use, supply and all quantities held

• Keep written signed orders from medical practitioner

• Provide an annual return - requested HMRC

• Keep stocks under lock and key, under control of pharmacist

• Maintain storage arrangements - guided by local HMRC offices

• Record results of stock takes, take action if discrepancies found

What does supply for medical use of IDA mean?

Medical, veterinary, surgical or dental purposes other than internal administration

What practitioners do not require authorisation from HMRC to obtain IDA from a pharmacy?

Medical or vet practitioners

How do vets/medical practitioners obtain IDA?

Signed order or prescription

What are the rules for supplying IDA on written order?

Any quantity below 3 litres, order must state quantity and class of IDA to be supplied, written order must be retained by pharmacist

What are the rules for supplying IDA on prescription?

No requirement for patient/animal owner to have an authorisation, supply made same way as normal prescription, record of supply should be made