Tackle shops approached to sell UK fishing licences online

Tackle shops in the UK could be able to sell fishing licences online if discussions with the body that represents the industry are successful.

The move follows the revelation that from January 16th next year, rod licences will no longer be available to purchase from the Post Office, as confirmed by the Environment Agency (EA).

Discussions are ongoing with the Angling Trades Association (ATA) to see if retailers would be able to offer an online service to anglers. The EA contract with the Post Office ends a long association where licences could be bought over the counter.

Over the last decade the EA has slowly brought the services provided by the Post Office contract in-house, resulting in more flexibility in what the EA says it can to deliver for customers. Currently 90 per cent of anglers buy online quickly and easily as a result of these improvements.

The move away from the Post Office and to digital sales will provide cost savings to the Environment Agency which can be invested directly back into the fisheries service.

A campaign is now starting to alert anglers to the end of the contract and the importance – and ease – of buying a ‘digital’ licence online.