Get Your Personal Alcohol License: A Step-By-Step Guide

how do i apply for a personal alcohol licence

If you want to sell alcohol in the UK, you'll need a personal licence. This allows you to authorise alcohol sales at licensed premises. To get a personal licence, you must be over 18, have not forfeited a personal licence in the last 5 years, and have no relevant convictions. You'll also need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK, two passport photos, and pay a fee of £37. Applications can be made online or by post, and the process is handled by your local council.

Characteristics Values
Application fee £37
Application method Online, by post, or by email
Application processing time Up to a month
Validity Indefinite
Requirements Licensing qualification, criminal record certificate, proof of right to work in the UK, 2 passport photos
Additional notes Must be 18 or over to apply, must notify the court if you're a licence holder, must notify the licensing team if you change address or name
Location-specific requirements Georgia: must apply at least 10 days before the event; Indiana: must appear before the local alcoholic beverage board, have licensed premises inspected by Indiana State Excise Police

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Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a personal alcohol licence, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a personal alcohol licence. This is the legal drinking age in most countries and is a standard requirement for any alcohol-related licensing.
  • Right to Work: It is important to note that you must have the right to work in the country or region where you are applying for the licence. This means providing proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid work visa that covers the duration of the licence you are applying for.
  • Criminal Record Check: A criminal record check is a standard part of the licensing process. You must declare any criminal convictions, and in some cases, a basic disclosure or criminal record check may be required. Generally, minor offences that occurred several years ago may not disqualify you, but more serious or recent offences could impact your application.
  • Relevant Training: Undertaking relevant training is a crucial step in obtaining a personal alcohol licence. You must complete a licensing qualification, such as the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), or a similar accredited course. This ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and understanding of licensing laws, social responsibilities, and the sale and supply of alcohol.
  • Application Form and Fee: You need to complete the official application form accurately and truthfully, providing all the required information. Along with the form, you must pay the associated application fee, which varies depending on the region. This fee covers the processing and administration of your licence application.
  • Disclosure and Barring Service Check: In certain regions, such as the UK, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required as part of the licensing process. This check ensures that you are

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Application fee

To apply for a personal alcohol licence, you will need to pay a statutory fee of £37. Do not send cash or cheques—the relevant authority will contact you for payment once your application has been verified.

The fee applies to those who want to sell alcohol under a premises licence or authorise others to sell alcohol under a premises licence. If you want to use more than five Temporary Event Notices in a calendar year, you will also need to pay the £37 fee.

If you are based in Scotland, you will need to apply for a Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holder (SCPLH). Scotland has separate licensing laws, so English personal licences are not valid there, and vice versa.

If you are sending your application by post, enclose a cheque or postal order payable to the relevant council. For example, Bristol City Council or the London Borough of Lambeth.

If you are applying with a current conviction or offence, make sure you are aware of what to do. If you have a criminal record, this does not rule you out from applying for a personal licence, but the licensing authority will decide whether your conviction is relevant to your licence application.

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Necessary documents

To apply for a personal alcohol licence, you must be aged 18 or over and hold a relevant licensing qualification, such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders. You must apply to the local authority where you normally live, and your licence will always remain with that local authority, even if you move elsewhere.

The necessary documents for a personal alcohol licence application include:

  • A completed application form
  • The application fee of £37 (no cash or cheque payments)
  • Two passport photos, one of which has been endorsed by a solicitor, notary, a person of standing in the community, or an individual with a professional qualification, with a statement that the photo is a true likeness of the applicant
  • Evidence of a name change, if applicable
  • A background investigation, tax clearance, and fingerprint process may be required for some licences

If you already hold a personal licence, it is now valid indefinitely unless you have surrendered it, it was revoked, or you no longer have the right to reside and work in the UK. If your licence card, paper licence, or both have been lost or stolen, you must report this to the Licensing Authority and pay a fee of £10.50 for a replacement.

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Submission process

The submission process for a personal alcohol licence varies depending on your location. For example, in Bristol, you must submit your application to the Bristol City Council, either by post or online. The application must include proof of your licensing qualification, a criminal record certificate, and evidence of your right to licence. You must also pay an application fee of £37.

In Buckinghamshire, you must apply through your online account or by emailing your application and supporting documents to the Commercial Licensing Team. The statutory fee for applying for a licence in Buckinghamshire is also £37.

In Brighton & Hove, you must submit your application online, and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK or a share code issued by the Home Office.

In the United States, the submission process depends on the state. For example, in Georgia, you can complete the application process for a Brewpub or Wholesaler/Distributor License online using the Georgia Tax Center website. In Indiana, the process involves submitting an application form, fees, and any other required documentation, appearing before the local alcoholic beverage board, and undergoing a final floor plan inspection of the licensed premises.

It is important to note that the requirements and processes for obtaining a personal alcohol licence may vary by location, so be sure to check the specific guidelines for your area.

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Timeline and next steps

The timeline for obtaining a personal alcohol licence may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Determine the type of licence

First, determine the type of alcohol licence you require, such as a retailer permit or a dealer permit. This will depend on the nature of your business and the jurisdiction in which you operate.

Step 2: Check eligibility and gather documents

Check the eligibility requirements for the specific licence you are applying for. Gather the necessary documents, such as proof of your licensing qualifications, details of previous applications, and evidence of your right to work in the country. You may also need to provide a criminal record certificate and proof of your identity.

Step 3: Complete and submit the application

You can typically submit your application online or by post. When submitting your application, ensure you include all the required documentation and pay the statutory fee, which is typically around £37.

Step 4: Wait for processing

The processing time for licence applications can vary depending on the volume of applications being handled by the licensing authority. In some cases, they may inform you of an expected timeline.

Step 5: Objections and hearings

If there are any objections to your application, the licensing authority will notify you, and a hearing may be held to decide whether to grant or reject your licence. This process can add time to the overall timeline.

Step 6: Receive your licence

If your application is approved and no objections are raised, you will receive your licence. In some cases, the licence may be issued within a month of receiving your application.

Step 7: Ongoing requirements

It is important to note that you must notify the licensing authority of any changes to your name or address. Additionally, keep in mind that some jurisdictions require the renewal of alcohol licences annually or at specific intervals.

Frequently asked questions

The application fee is £37.

You must be 18 or over, have not forfeited a personal licence in the last 5 years, and have no relevant convictions. You must also provide proof of your right to work in the UK and two passport photos.

You can apply online or by post. If applying by post, enclose a cheque or postal order payable to your local council and send your application to your council's licensing team. If applying online, follow the instructions on your local council's website.

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