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.

Personal Licence FAQ

What is a personal licence?

A personal licence allows an individual to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol under the terms of a premises licence. Every licensed premises that sells alcohol must have a personal licence holder that has been nominated as the designated premises supervisor. You must be at least 18 years of age and hold a licensing qualification such as the BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders.

Who needs a personal licence?

A personal licence is required by anyone authorising the sale of alcohol from a licensed premises. All licensed premises must have an allocated personal licence holder, known as the designated premises supervisor (DPS)

Who can apply for a personal licence?

An applicant must be an individual of at least 18yrs of age, be in possession of an accredited licensing qualification like the APLH (previously the NCPLH) for England & Wales or SCPLH (Scotland) and have not had a personal licence forfeited (revoked) within the previous 5 years. Applicants with certain criminal convictions may also attract a police objection to their application 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) (this replaces the CRB check)
  • Two passport-size photos – signed by a professional to prove the identity of the applicant – click here for the list of who can sign (I hereby certify this as a true likeness of (applicant’s name) – professional’s name / Date / Job title)
  • Application fee – £37
Where do I apply for a personal licence?

Applicants for a personal licence need to submit their application to the local authority for where they live (not to the authority in which their business is based). You can check which is your local authority by searching
here.

How do I get a personal licence?

Candidates wanting to apply for a personal licence must be 18 years of age or above and will need the following:

BIIAB 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 (this replaces the CRB check) – Can be obtained here for England and Wales. The cost of this is £23 (N.B – check valid for 28days)
Two passport-size photos – Signed by a professional to prove the identity of the applicant – Click here for the list of who can sign (I hereby certify this as a true likeness of (applicants name) – Professionals name / Date / Job title)
Application fee – £37

How much is a personal licence?

The personal licence application fee is £37, payable to your local licensing authority. The applicant will also need to submit a DBS certificate which is priced at £23.

How long does a personal licence last?

Previously, a personal licence lasted for 10 years. However, this was changed in 2015 and a personal licence now lasts indefinitely.

Do I have to renew a personal licence?

A personal licence does not need renewing as they now last indefinitely.

Does a personal Licence expire?

A personal licence does not expire as there is currently no expiry date. The personal licence will last indefinitely.

Why do I need to do a personal licence exam?

As part of the application for your personal licence, you need to submit a certificate for an accredited licensing qualification such as the BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders. This certificate is produced upon successful completion of the exam.