How to join | Distillers’ Company

A first step into the Distillers

Newly admitted Freemen holding their certificates after the 2026 ceremony.

Becoming a Freeman is an opportunity to become part of a community that brings together people from across the spirits industry. It offers the chance to build relationships, share knowledge, take part in Company events and contribute to the future of the industry.

Freedom is the first step into the Company. It gives you the opportunity to get to know us, and for us to get to know you. For those who want to take their involvement further, it can also provide a route towards becoming a Liveryman.

You don’t need to understand the traditions or know which route is right for you before getting in touch. Start by registering your interest or joining one of our online briefings and we’ll take it from there.

Your route into the Company

For most individual applicants, the established journey is:

Learn and enquire — Learn about the Company and express your interest.
Find the right route — Identify the appropriate route and meet the relevant requirements.
Apply — Apply and attend an interview and briefing.
Company Freedom — Be admitted to the Freedom of the Company.
City Freedom — Obtain the Freedom of the City of London, if you do not already hold it.
The Livery — Become eligible for admission to the Livery.

Admission is subject to the Company’s formal process and is not guaranteed.

Before you apply

Prospective members are encouraged to learn about the Company and, where possible, attend a Company event before applying. Regular online briefings are a useful first step, whether you have already spoken to a member or are simply exploring the possibility of joining.

You do not need to decide which route applies before contacting us. The Clerk’s Office can provide initial guidance.

Routes to the Freedom of the Company

The Freedom of the Company is the first formal stage for an individual member. The principal routes are:

Redemption

Redemption is the main route into the Company. Under the current arrangements, a candidate is proposed by a Liveryman of at least two years’ standing and seconded by a member of the Court. Both should have known the candidate for at least two years. Candidates are normally expected to have attended a Company function before seeking admission. In some circumstances, the process may be adapted where a prospective member is recommended to the Court through the Company’s industry membership activity. Every application remains subject to consideration and approval.

Patrimony

A son or daughter of a Company Liveryman may be eligible to join by patrimony if they were born after their parent was admitted to the Freedom and have reached the age of 21. The Company currently limits admission by patrimony to one candidate each year.

Presentation

Presentation is a limited route connected with specified trade associations and educational bodies with which the Company has close relationships. It may apply to an eligible chief executive of at least one year’s standing, or in another exceptional case at the discretion of the Court. The Clerk’s Office can advise whether this route is relevant.

Corporate Freedom

Senior executives nominated through the Company’s corporate membership programme may be admitted as Corporate Freemen through a simplified process. Corporate Freemen can participate in Company events and may later choose to pursue the Freedom of the City and admission to the Livery.

Explore corporate membership

Application, interview and Company Freedom

Once the appropriate route has been confirmed, the candidate submits the required application and pays the applicable Freedom fine. The application is circulated for consideration in accordance with the Company’s governance process.

Eligible candidates are invited to an interview and briefing. This is a chance for the Company and the candidate to learn more about one another, discuss the responsibilities of membership and answer practical questions. When the process is completed successfully, the candidate is admitted to the Freedom of the Company in a short ceremony.

Freedom of the City of London

Unless already a Freeman of the City, a Company Freeman must next apply for the Freedom of the City of London. The Clerk’s Office will explain the current requirements and support the member through the process.

The City of London sets its own application requirements and fee. Applicants are normally asked to provide supporting identity and civil-status documents, including a full birth certificate and evidence of any name change where relevant.

Admission to the Livery

After obtaining both the Freedom of the Company and the Freedom of the City, a member becomes eligible to be admitted as a Liveryman of the Company.

Admission takes place at a Company ceremony. A Livery fine is payable, followed by annual quarterage. Liverymen are also expected to support The Distillers’ Charity. Current fees and payment arrangements will be explained before an applicant makes a commitment.

Overseas membership, launching soon

The Company is developing an overseas membership option for people based outside the UK who share a strong connection with the spirits industry and the values of the Distillers.

The eligibility criteria, application process, member benefits, fees and relationship to the established Freedom and Livery routes are still being finalised. Until the new option launches, the existing routes described above remain in place.

If you are based overseas, register your interest and select Overseas membership. We will keep your details and contact you when the confirmed information is available.

Costs and commitments

The formal membership journey includes fees at different stages. These may include a Company Freedom fine, the City of London’s Freedom fee, a Livery fine and ongoing annual quarterage. Members are also expected to contribute to the Company’s charitable purpose.

Amounts can change, so the Clerk’s Office will provide the current schedule before an application proceeds. Some events and club activities carry separate charges.

Not sure where to begin?

Start by joining an online briefing or registering your interest. We will help you understand the Company, the routes available and what the next step would be for you.