Personal Licence Information

Personal licences are issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and are required by law for anyone who wishes to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol. It is only a Personal Licence holder can be appointed as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) and is responsible for ensuring that all alcohol sales and supplies at the licensed premises are conducted in accordance with the law.

To obtain a personal licence, an individual must pass an accredited training course and complete an application to the relevant local authority. The application will require the applicant to provide personal details, a criminal record declaration, and two passport-sized photographs. An application fee must also be paid.

Personal Licence Application

Applying for a personal licence in the UK requires completing a series of steps, including meeting eligibility criteria, completing accredited training, submitting an application, and paying a fee. The following is a general overview of the process:

Eligibility Criteria: Before applying for a personal licence, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, which include being at least 18 years old, not having any (relevant) unspent criminal convictions, and holding an accredited qualification in the sale of alcohol.

Training: You must complete a government-accredited training course to obtain a personal licence. The course typically takes one day to complete and covers topics such as the Licensing Act 2003, the responsibilities of a personal licence holder, and the effects of alcohol on the body.

Application Form: Once you have completed the training, you can download and complete the personal licence application form from the website of the local authority where the applicant lives (not the location the premises is based)

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo a criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or driving licence, and pay a fee for the check.

Submitting the Application: You can submit the completed application form, along with the relevant supporting documents, to the local authority where the licensed premises is located. You will need to pay a fee with your application (£37)

BIIAB Award For Personal Licence Holders

The BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders is a qualification awarded by the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) in the United Kingdom. The qualification is designed to meet the statutory requirements for those seeking to obtain a personal licence to sell alcohol in England and Wales.

The qualification is achieved by taking a multiple-choice examination, which assesses the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the Licensing Act 2003, the responsibilities of a personal licence holder, and the impact of alcohol-related crime and disorder. The examination is taken at an approved centre, such as a training provider like The Licensing Team.

The pass mark for the examination is 28 out of 40 (70%), and candidates are notified of their results immediately after completing the test. Successful candidates are awarded the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders, which is a nationally recognised qualification.

The BIIAB is a leading awarding organisation in the hospitality industry and is recognised by the UK government's regulatory authorities. By using the BIIAB to obtain the personal licence qualification, candidates can be assured that they are taking a reputable and high-quality course that meets the required standards. The BIIAB also offers ongoing support to personal licence holders, including access to additional training and guidance on legal requirements.

In summary, the BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders is a well-respected qualification that provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain a personal licence to sell alcohol in England and Wales. The examination takes around 60 minutes to complete, with a pass mark of 70%, and is provided by a leading awarding organisation in the hospitality industry.

Personal and Premises Licence?

A personal licence and a premises licence are two different types of licences that are required for the sale or supply of alcohol in the United Kingdom. The following is a brief overview of the differences between these licences:

  1. Personal Licence: A personal licence is a legal permission granted to an individual to sell or supply alcohol at a premises licensed for that purpose. It is issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and is required by law for anyone who wishes to manage or supervise a licensed premises where alcohol is sold or supplied. The licence holder is responsible for ensuring that all alcohol sales and supplies at the licensed premises are conducted in accordance with the law.

  2. Premises Licence: A premises licence is a legal permission granted to a business or organisation to sell or supply alcohol at a specific premises. It is also issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and is required by law for any premises where alcohol is sold or supplied. The licence specifies the activities that are permitted on the premises, such as the sale of alcohol, and the conditions that must be met, such as the hours of operation and the provision of appropriate safety measures.

The key difference between a personal licence and a premises licence is that a personal licence is tied to an individual, while a premises licence is tied to a specific premises. This means that a personal licence holder can work at any licensed premises in England and Wales, while a premises licence holder is limited to the specific premises for which the licence is granted.

In summary, a personal licence is required for individuals who wish to manage or supervise the sale or supply of alcohol at a licensed premises, while a premises licence is required for businesses or organisations that wish to sell or supply alcohol at a specific premises. Both licences are necessary for the legal sale or supply of alcohol in the UK.