Noah Vinter
Alcohol licenses are generally classified by their type and class. The type distinguishes the permitted activity, and the class distinguishes between the right to manufacture, sell, and/or serve alcohol. A personal alcohol licence is a type of alcohol licence that allows holders to authorise the sale of alcohol in the United Kingdom. A personal licence is typically for those who work in the hospitality industry, like bar staff and event managers. To obtain a personal alcohol licence, applicants must be over 18 years old, complete a licensing qualification, and submit an application form with the appropriate fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a personal licence? | All businesses and organisations selling or supplying alcohol, except members clubs and certain community premises, must have a designated premises supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence. |
| Who can be a DPS? | Anyone over 18 who holds an accredited qualification, such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders, and has no relevant criminal convictions. |
| What is the role of a DPS? | A DPS acts as the primary contact for local government and the police and is responsible for understanding and mitigating the social issues and potential problems associated with the sale of alcohol. |
| What is the process for obtaining a personal licence? | You must complete a consent form and obtain the relevant qualification to ensure you are aware of licensing laws and social responsibilities. You must also submit the required documents, including passport photographs, a DBS certificate, and proof of identity and address, and pay the relevant fees. |
| What is the cost of obtaining a personal licence? | The application fee is typically £37, with additional costs of around £25 for a basic DBS check. There may also be costs associated with updating your licence details, such as a change of address or name. |
| What are the consequences of selling alcohol without a personal licence? | Selling alcohol without a personal licence can result in a fine of up to £20,000 and a prison sentence of up to 6 months. |
| What is the validity period of a personal licence? | Personal licences are typically granted indefinitely with no expiry date. |
| Are there different types of alcohol licences? | Yes, alcohol licenses are generally classified by their type and class, distinguishing between the permitted activities such as manufacturing, selling, and serving specific types of alcoholic beverages. |
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What You'll Learn
Who needs a personal licence?
A personal alcohol licence is required for the authorisation of alcohol sales in licensed premises in the UK. Licensed premises include anywhere from a home-based online sales business to a large pub, licensed for the sale of alcohol.
Not everyone selling alcohol needs to hold a personal licence, but every sale must be authorised by a licence holder. A personal licence is typically for those working in the hospitality industry, such as bar staff and event managers.
To apply for a personal licence, you must be over 18 and hold a relevant qualification, such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders, to ensure you are aware of licensing laws and the social responsibilities attached to the sale of alcohol. The qualification is designed to ensure licence holders are aware of licensing law and the wider social responsibilities involved in the sale of alcohol.
The Licensing Act requires the supervisor and all personal licence holders to take responsibility for the sale and supply of alcohol due to its impact on the wider community, crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour.
In addition to the relevant qualification, you will need to enclose the following with your application form:
- Two passport photographs, one of which must be countersigned
- A DBS certificate
- Proof of right to work in the UK
- Proof of identity and proof of address
- Personal alcohol licence application fee
You must notify the Licensing Authority immediately if you are convicted of any offence during the application process. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application for a personal licence, which may result in a fine of up to £5,000.
Personal licences are granted indefinitely with no expiry date. However, they may be surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
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Qualifications and requirements
To apply for a personal alcohol licence, you must be aged 18 or over and hold a licensing qualification. This qualification ensures that licence holders understand licensing laws and the social responsibilities involved in selling alcohol.
The Licensing Act 2003 outlines the requirements for the sale of alcohol, and it is important that staff are appropriately trained in these requirements. The designated premises supervisor (DPS) must ensure that staff are trained and must also have a good understanding of the business and the social issues and potential problems associated with alcohol sales. While the DPS does not need to be on-site at all times, they must be involved enough to act as the business's representative and must be contactable at all times.
There are various companies that deliver relevant qualifications throughout the UK, and they differ in size and quality. The Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) Level 2 is an example of an accredited qualification. Other qualifications include the BIIAB Level 2 Award and the Innpacked APLH course. A list of approved qualifications can be found on the official government website.
Along with the application form, you will need to enclose two passport photographs, one of which must be countersigned by a solicitor, notary, or someone of standing in the community. You will also need to provide proof of identity and address, a DBS certificate, and proof of the right to work in the UK.
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Application process
The application process for a personal licence for the sale of alcohol varies depending on the location and the type of business. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process, detailing the common procedures:
Step 1: Determine the Licence Type
Firstly, identify the type of licence your business requires. Different licences are available for different types of alcohol sales, such as on-sale, off-sale, beer and wine, or spirits retail licences.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements
Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements for obtaining a licence. These requirements may include registering with relevant boards or departments, such as the Board of Equalization or the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Additionally, certain permits or stamps, such as a Federal Basic Permit or a Special Occupational Tax Stamp, may be mandatory.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documentation
Ensure you have all the required documentation before starting your application. The necessary documents may include licences, permits, and other relevant papers. Some common documents requested include a Notice of Intention to Transfer, escrow agreements, and tax-related information.
Step 4: Complete the Application
The application process can often be completed online through official government portals or websites. However, in some cases, paper forms may be required. During the application, you will need to provide detailed information about your business, including the type of business, location, and the individuals involved.
Step 5: Await Processing and Approval
The processing time for licence applications can vary, with person-to-person transfers taking around 75 days, and original licences taking up to 90 days. During this time, it is important to refrain from making extensive financial commitments related to the business until final approval is obtained.
Step 6: Receive the Licence
Once your application has been approved, you will receive your licence. It is important to note that licences typically need to be renewed annually and that specific procedures may apply for renewals.
It is important to refer to the specific guidelines provided by the relevant authorities in your jurisdiction, as the exact steps and requirements may differ slightly depending on your location and business type.
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Costs
The costs of obtaining a personal licence for the sale of alcohol vary depending on the location and the type of licence. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:
Application Fee
The application fee for a personal licence is typically around £37, which is payable to the local council or licensing authority. This fee is non-refundable, and some councils may have specific payment requirements, such as not accepting cheques or postal orders. It's important to check with your local council or licensing authority for the exact amount and payment methods accepted.
Training and Examination Costs
Obtaining a personal licence often requires completing a training course, such as the APLH (Award for Personal Licence Holders) Course, which can cost around £25. This course introduces individuals to the fundamentals of working in the industry and is usually a mandatory requirement. Following the training, there is typically a multiple-choice examination that individuals must pass to obtain their licensing qualification.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
A DBS check is typically required as part of the application process for a personal licence. This check verifies an individual's criminal record and costs approximately £25. It is important to note that the Licensing Act 2003 states that the DBS check must be issued no earlier than one calendar month before submitting the application.
Licensing Qualification Fees
In addition to the training course and DBS check, there may be separate fees associated with obtaining the licensing qualification itself. These fees can vary depending on the accredited qualification chosen and the provider. It is important to review the list of approved qualifications and select a suitable provider recognised by the licensing authority.
Annual Fees
Once the personal licence is obtained, there may be annual fees to keep the licence active. These fees vary based on factors such as production, population, or the number of months the licensee operates. It is important to note that penalty fees may be imposed if full payment is not received by the deadline.
It is worth noting that the costs outlined above are general estimates and may not cover all potential expenses. Additional costs may include passport photographs, solicitor fees for verifying documents, and other administrative charges. Furthermore, the requirements and fees may differ slightly depending on the specific regulations in your area, so it is always advisable to consult the relevant local council or licensing authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Licence variations and updates
Personal licences for the sale of alcohol can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the licence holder. Here are some common variations and updates to be aware of:
- Geographical variations: The requirements and regulations for personal licences can vary by jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the licence holder. For example, in the United States, each state has its own alcohol control board with specific requirements for personal liquor licences. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the rules may differ between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is important to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations in your area.
- Licence duration and renewal: Personal licences typically have a validity period, after which they need to be renewed. The duration of the licence and the renewal process can vary. Some licences may be valid for a set number of years, while others may require annual renewal. Keep track of your licence's expiry date and understand the steps needed to renew it, which may include paying a fee and providing updated information.
- Changes in personal information: If your personal details change, such as your name, address, or contact information, you must update your licence accordingly. This usually involves notifying the issuing authority and providing documentation to support the change, such as a marriage certificate or proof of new address.
- Additional qualifications: Depending on your role in the sale of alcohol, you may be required to obtain additional qualifications or certifications beyond the basic personal licence. These could include responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, food safety handling certifications, or specific wine or spirit education for sommeliers or mixologists. Staying up to date with industry-relevant training can enhance your knowledge and may be mandatory in certain jurisdictions.
- Licence conditions and restrictions: Personal licences often come with conditions and restrictions that must be adhered to. These can include restrictions on the types of alcohol that can be sold, the
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Frequently asked questions
A personal licence allows holders to authorise the sale of alcohol at licensed premises in the United Kingdom. It is typically for those working in the hospitality industry, like bar staff and event managers.
To get a personal licence, you must be 18 or over and hold a relevant licensing qualification, such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders. You must apply for a Personal Licence from the Local Authority where you live. You will also need to enclose two passport photographs, one of which must be countersigned, a licensing qualification, a DBS certificate, proof of right to work in the UK, proof of identity, and proof of address.
Selling alcohol without a personal licence can result in a fine of up to £20,000 and a 6-month prison sentence.
