Personal Licence

Sales of alcohol may not be made under a premises licence unless there is a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) in respect of the premises (who must hold a personal licence); and every sale must be made or authorised by a personal licence holder.

A personal licence is required to supervise the sale of alcohol in any premises.

The licence holder may be eligible to be named as the designated premises supervisor on a premises licence which is required for all premises involved in licensable activities.

Applicants wishing to apply for a personal licence must apply to the local council in which they live though they are permitted to use the Licence throughout the country and not restricted to any one premises.. The licence is valid indefinitely.


Apply


Guidance

View Guidance on Licensing Act 2003 (.pdf) (255KB) (Opens in a New Window)

View The Licensing Act 2003 (Opens in a New Window)


Are you Eligible?

Applicants must:

  • Be over 18

  • Hold an accredited Personal Licensing Qualification.

  • Provide a Basic DBS certificate or PNC search.

  • Complete an application form together with a declaration relating to convictions of relevant offences or foreign offences

  • Pay the application fee of £37 to be submitted with the application.

  • Provide 2 passport-sized photographs (the photographs should be taken against a light background, show full face and not any head covering unless worn for religious beliefs, sun glasses are also not permitted to be worn). One photograph should be endorsed as a "true likeness" of the named applicant. The photo can be endorsed by a solicitor, a person of standing in the community or an individual with a professional qualification.

How We Process Your Application

Please ensure your application includes all the following

  • Completed application form

  • 2 passport photographs (1 of which must be endorsed)

  • A Licensing qualification

  • Criminality check either Police PNC document or a basic DBS certificate

  • A completed disclosure of convictions and declaration form.

  • The fee of £37

Find out more about Fees

Find out more about Appeals and Complaints

Amending Your Licence

Following the Deregulation Act 2015, you do not need to renew a personal licence. It will carry on indefinitely until such time that it is either surrendered or revoked.

The expiry date on licences provided prior to 1 April 2015 no longer apply. 

If you choose to update your licence, either due to change of name, address, or photo; you will be provided with a new card without an expiry date.

You will need to supply us with:

  • A written request to replace your licence, providing your full name, address, and photo if applicable.

  • Your existing licence or an explanation as to why it cannot be returned.

  • The £10.50 administration fee.

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Contact
Licensing
tel: 0115 917 3241