What is a personal licence?
A personal licence is granted to an individual by the relevant licensing authority. The personal licence allows the holder to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol in accordance with, and under the terms of, the premises licence. The personal licence application is made to the authority for the council area in which the applicant normally lives. The issuing authority remains the relevant authority, even if the personal licence holder moves to another area. The authority will issue the personal licence in 2 parts: a plastic card including the name and photograph of the holder, and a paper section.
What is the role of a personal licence holder?
The sales of alcohol made on licensed premises (the types of businesses and organisations that need alcohol licences might include: pubs and bars, cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets) MUST be made OR authorised by someone who holds a personal licence. You are not required to have a personal licence simply to be employed in a pub or other business that sells alcohol. However, the premises/business that is licensed to sell alcohol must have one personal licence holder nominated as the designated premises supervisor.
It is not necessary for a personal licence holder to be on duty at all times when alcohol is being sold (unless you have a specific condition on the premises licence to that effect).
How long does a personal licence last?
Previously the personal licence lasted for 10 years, however a personal licence will now last indefinitely starting from the day it as granted. There is no requirement to renew a personal licence.
Application for a personal licence alcohol
To apply for a personal licence Alcohol applicants must be 18 years of age or above and will need the following:
- Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders Qualification certificate (the original)
- Personal Licence application form – obtained from local councils or Licensing Authorities
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (this replaces the CRB check)
- Two passport-size photos – signed by a professional to prove the identity of the applicant
- Application fee – £37
Inn Confidence offer a Personal Licence application service – more details can be found here
Who can apply for a personal licence alcohol?
Anyone can apply for a personal licence Alcohol whether or not they are employed in licensed premises.
The Licensing Act states the following criteria:
- The applicant must be aged 18 or over
- The applicant must hold an accredited licensing qualification such as the APLH
- The applicant must not have forfeited a personal licence within the last 5 years
- The appropriate fee has been paid to the Licensing Authority
- The applicant should not have an unspent conviction for a relevant or foreign offence. If they have, the police are entitled to object which will cause a licensing hearing where the application will be considered by the Licensing Committee.