Personal Alcohol Licence - Applying for a Licence

A Personal Alcohol Licence authorises an individual to supply, or to authorise the supply, of alcohol.

The Personal Alcohol Licence is separate from the licence that authorises the premises to be used for the supply of alcohol.

A Personal Alcohol Licence is required for any person wishing to become the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) of a premises licensed to sell alcohol.

The licence is issued initially for ten years.

Applicants must:

• be aged 18 years or over
• hold an accredited qualification
• produce a basic Criminal Conviction Disclosure
• supply two passport-sized photographs. One of these must be endorsed by a person in authority stating “This is a true likeness of (applicant’s name), signed, dated and state position of authority held

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

You must submit an application form to the Licensing Department as provided for in Part 6 of the Act.

The form will require certain details of the applicant to be provided and applicants will be required to provide additional information and documents such as photographs as well as the fee for the application.

They will be asked for details of any relevant or foreign offences for which they have been convicted. The licensing authority will then process the application.

If it appears there are convictions for any relevant or foreign offences, the licensing authority will give a notice to the chief officer of police for the area. If the police make no objections within a 14 day period, the licence must be granted.

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process the application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us.

If you wish to apply for a licence or change the details of an existing licence, the application for a personal licence form can be downloaded here.

A copy of the guidance notes for personal alcohol licences can be downloaded here.

A List of Consultees details who you should copy your application to

The fee for the issue of a Personal Licence is £37.00

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

If an application for a licence is refused the failed applicant can appeal to the Magistrates' Court, within 21 days of notice of the decision.

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

• British Beer and Pub Association (BPA)
• British Retail Consortium