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What is a Personal Licence?

What Is a Personal Licence?

A Personal Licence is a legal licence granted to an individual by a local Licensing Authority. It allows the licence holder to:

  • Sell alcohol

  • Authorise others to sell alcohol
    in accordance with the terms of a valid Premises Licence.

Personal Licences are typically required by people who are responsible for supervising alcohol sales at licensed venues such as pubs, restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, or events.

Where Do You Apply?

You must apply to the Licensing Authority in the area where you normally live. Even if you move to a different area later, your original council remains your issuing authority.

When granted, your personal licence will be issued in two parts:

  1. A plastic photo card showing your name and image

  2. A paper counterpart outlining the licence details

What Does a Personal Licence Holder Do?

Any sale of alcohol on licensed premises must either be:

  • Made directly by a Personal Licence holder
    OR

  • Made by someone who has been formally authorised by a Personal Licence holder

Personal Licence holders play a crucial role in ensuring alcohol is sold legally and responsibly.

Common types of premises that require alcohol authorisation include:

  • Pubs and bars

  • Restaurants and cafés

  • Nightclubs and theatres

  • Cinemas and sports venues

  • Supermarkets and off-licences

A premises licensed to sell alcohol must also appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) — who must hold a valid Personal Licence.

Do You Need a Personal Licence to Work in a Pub?

No — you do not need a Personal Licence just to work in a venue that sells alcohol. However, if you're supervising staff or authorising sales, a Personal Licence is legally required.

How Long Does a Personal Licence Last?

Previously, personal licences were valid for 10 years.
Today, Personal Licences are granted for life — there is no expiry date and no requirement to renew.

How to Apply for a Personal Licence

To apply for a Personal Licence, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Submit the following:

✅ A Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) certificate (original copy)
✅ A completed Personal Licence application form (from your local council)
✅ A valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (issued within the last 30 days)
✅ Two passport-sized photos, one signed by a professional as a true likeness
✅ The standard £37 application fee

Need Help Applying?

Inn Confidence offers a full Personal Licence Application Service — including assistance with:

  • The application form

  • DBS checks

  • Photograph certification

  • Submission to your local authority

👉 Click here to learn more about our Personal Licence service

Who Can Apply for a Personal Licence?

You do not need to be currently working in licensed premises to apply.
Anyone can apply, as long as they meet the following conditions:

  • Must be aged 18 or over

  • Must hold an accredited licensing qualification (e.g., APLH)

  • Must not have had a personal licence revoked in the last 5 years

  • Must pay the correct application fee

  • Must not have any unspent convictions for relevant or foreign offences (If you do, the police may object and a hearing will be required)

📞 Have questions about applying?
Call us on 0151 558 1783, or complete the form below — we’re happy to help.