Personal licenses

A personal licence allows the holder to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol from premises with a premises licence or temporary events notice.

Who qualifies for a personal licence?

To qualify for a personal licence you must:

Be over 18 years of age
Not have forfeited a personal licence within 5 years
Not have been convicted of a relevant or foreign offence
Possess an accredited licensing qualification.

Do all the staff at my premises need to hold a personal licence?

No. The only person who must hold one is the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) - see Premises Licences for further information. However, all supply of alcohol under a premises licence must be authorised by a person who holds a personal licence.

How long do personal licences last and what will they cost?

They will be valid for 10 years, and the cost is £37.

What do I need to do to obtain a personal license?

You need to pass a recognised Licensing qualification and you must undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check. This check can only be carried out by the Licensing Authority, as individuals can not obtain this information.

For a new personal licences (not a conversion) you will need to supply the following:

Two photographs endorsed as a true likeness by a professional person
Your licensing qualification (more information can be found at the BIIAB website or EDI website)
A 'basic' level Criminal Records Bureau check. At present the cost of a basic check is £20
A completed application form, which includes details of any relevant or foreign offence
The prescribed fee which is £37.

Personal licence forms

For new personal licences or changes to your licence:

Who can object to the grant of a personal licence?

Only the Police can object if you have been convicted of a relevant or foreign offence, and they believe that by granting you a personal licence, it would undermine the crime and disorder licensing objective.

Will I need to get a new licence if my circumstances change?

No, but you will need to notify the licensing authority if you change your name or address, or if you are convicted of a relevant or foreign offence.

Can I have my licence taken away?

Yes, it could be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of a relevant offence.

What is a relevant or foreign offence?

The offences that are listed in schedule four to the The Licensing Act are all relevant offences. A 'foreign offence' is an offence (other than a relevant offence) under the law of any place outside England and Wales.