Knowledge Base – Page 5 – The Licensing Guys

Knowledge Base

Welcome to The Licensing Guys™ knowledge base – here we have collected a massive volume of information to aid you in your licensing journey. Please click the tabs below to select a topic

Licensing Essentials

Here’s a Recap on the Essential Role of a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

Under the Licensing Act 2003, any premises in England and Wales that is licensed to sell alcohol must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) named on its Premises Licence. This..

Does the Licensing Act 2003 apply in Scotland?

No — the Licensing Act 2003 does not apply in Scotland. Instead, Scotland operates under its own legislation. Scottish Licensing Law: The sale of alcohol and related licensing matters in..

What is the Licensing Act 2003? What are the FOUR Licensing Objectives?

The four Licensing Objectives are the cornerstone of the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales. They guide all decisions made by Licensing Authorities and ensure that licensed activities—such as..

Which type of Conviction might stop you obtaining a Personal Licence?

What is a relevant offence under Sch 4 of the Licensing Act 2003 and why do they matter? A relevant offence under Schedule 4 of the Licensing Act 2003 refers..

What Licences do you need to run an Alcohol Home Delivery Service?

A Premises Licence is required for any location where alcohol is sold or supplied on a permanent basis. For a home delivery operation, this means the physical site where alcohol..

Who enforces the Licensing Act 2003?

Enforcement of the Licensing Act 2003 is a shared responsibility between several key authorities, each playing a distinct role in ensuring compliance and protecting the public interest. ALL these agencies..

Branching Out into Alcohol Sales: What Hospitality & Retail Businesses Need to Know

If you’re running a hospitality or retail business and considering adding alcohol sales to your offering, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the legal, operational, and practical steps..

Types of Licences under the Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 establishes a framework for regulating activities such as the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment, and late-night refreshment in England and Wales. To carry out these..

Do You Need Both a Personal and Premises Licence?

Great question — and the answer depends on the nature of your business and your role within it. If you’re operating a venue that sells alcohol to the public —..

How to apply for an Alcohol Licence

Here’s a practical guide to help you apply for a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales — whether you’re seeking a Premises licence, Personal licence, or..

Applying for a Premises Licence: Should You Use a Licensing Consultant, a Solicitor, or Go DIY?

When seeking a Premises Licence or applying for a variation, business owners have three main options: Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages. This document outlines them clearly to..

Choosing the Right Licensing Consultant: Why Experience Matters

When applying for a Premises Licence, every detail matters. From the accuracy of the application form to the compliance of the premises plan, and from the inclusion of essential documents..

Are The Licensing Guys trustworthy and reliable?

Here is a cut and paste from a recent AI search… “Based on extensive customer feedback and publicly available information, The Licensing Guys (TL Guys Ltd) appear to be a..

The Four Licensing Objectives: What YOU Need to Know

If you’re applying for a Premises Licence to sell alcohol in England or Wales, or indeed already have one, your understanding the Four Licensing Objectives is absolutely essential. These objectives..

What is the Award for Personal Licence Holders

The Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) is the essential, nationally recognised qualification required for anyone who wishes to apply for a Personal Licence to sell or authorise the sale..

Can You Get a 24-Hour Alcohol Licence in the UK? What YOU Need to Know

The idea of selling alcohol around the clock may sound appealing to some businesses – especially those in retail and convenience sectors. But how realistic is it to obtain a..

How long does a Premises Licence last?

A Premises Licence issued under the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales typically lasts indefinitely, unless: Ongoing Requirements Although the Premises Licence itself doesn’t expire, the Premises Licence Holder..

What are the main offences under the Licensing Act 2003?

1. Unauthorised Licensable Activities Carrying out licensable activities (e.g. selling alcohol) without the appropriate Licence or Temporary Event Notice. Penalty: Up to 6 months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. 2...

The Essential Qualification – Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH)

The Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) is a nationally recognised qualification required by anyone who wishes to apply for a Personal Licence to sell or authorise the sale of..

Why a Personal Licence Is Essential for Retailing Alcohol

In England and Wales, the sale of alcohol is governed by the Licensing Act 2003, which sets out a clear framework to ensure alcohol is sold responsibly and safely. One..

Why a Premises Licence is FIXED but a Personal Licence is PORTABLE

Premises Licence — Fixed to a Location A Premises Licence is tied to a specific physical address because it governs: Why it’s location-bound: Licensing authorities (local councils) assess each site..

Licensing Practicalities

Annual Fee for a Premises Licence. What should happen if you don’t pay it.

The annual fee is based on the rateable value of the premises, similar to business rates. Here’s the current fee structure: Band Rateable Value Annual Fee A £0–£4,300 £70 B..

How to Avoid Conflict in Pubs: A Guide for Bar Managers

Conflict in pubs can arise from many sources – alcohol, overcrowding, poor communication, or customer frustration. As a bar manager, your role is to prevent, manage, and resolve conflict to..

How to Politely but Assertively Refuse Service in a Bar or Shop

Refusing service – especially alcohol – is a sensitive but essential part of responsible retail and hospitality. Staff must balance politeness with firmness, ensuring safety, legal compliance, and professionalism. In..

How to spot a FAKE Driving Licence

Some fake Driving Licences are not detected by ID scanners, and many will have UV markings, so they can’t be detected as fakes with UV lights. You can make some..

Is There a Legal Right to Be Served in a Pub?

In short: No, there is no automatic legal right to be served alcohol in a pub in England and Wales. No “Right to a Pint”: While pubs are public-facing businesses,..

Lost Your Personal Licence? Here’s What to Do

A Personal Licence is a legal requirement for anyone who authorises the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. It comes in two parts: If either part is lost, stolen,..

Police Assistance in Expelling Individuals from Licensed Premises: The Law Explained

Under the Licensing Act 2003, licensees and their staff have the legal right to refuse entry to or expel individuals from licensed premises if their behaviour threatens the licensing objectives—such..

Preventing Underage Alcohol Sales in Licensed Premises – Briefing Sheet for Managers and Staff

Legal Overview: Under the Licensing Act 2003, it is unlawful to: Penalties include: Best Practice Measures: 1. Challenge 25 Policy Acceptable ID includes: Passport, Photocard Driving Licence or PASS-accredited ID..

Public Nuisance vs. Statutory Nuisance – Understanding the Legal Distinctions in Licensing and Environmental Law

Public Nuisance (Licensing Act 2003) Definition: Under the Licensing Act 2003, public nuisance is one of the four statutory licensing objectives. It refers to any activity or condition arising from..

Unannounced Visit from Police or Enforcement Officers? Here’s What to Do

Under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003, both Police Officers and authorised persons under Section 13 of the Licensing Act (such as licensing officers, environmental health officers, fire officers,..

What Happens If a Pubwatch Member serves breaks the Pubwatch Ban themselves?

This is a common question that pops up at Training Courses, whereby one licensee alleges that a competitor premises is allowing persons who are banned by the Pubwatch to drink..

What Happens When a Premises Licence Is Reviewed? – A Guide for Licensees and Managers

What Is a Licence Review? A Review is a formal process under the Licensing Act 2003 that allows concerns about a Licensed Premises to be examined by the Local Authority...

What Is National Pubwatch?

Here at The Licensing Guys, we fully support National Pubwatch! National Pubwatch was established to support existing Pubwatch schemes and encourage the creation of new ones. Its primary aim is..

Why Keeping DPS Details Up to Date Is Essential

In England and Wales, the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) plays a pivotal role in the lawful and responsible sale of alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003. Every premises licensed to..

You’ve Left the Business but You’re Still Listed as DPS? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve moved on from a licensed premises but are still named as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) on the Premises Licence, it’s important to act quickly. As the DPS,..

Your Old Address on Your Personal Licence? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve moved house and your Personal Licence still shows your old address, it’s important to update it as soon as possible. Under the Licensing Act 2003, Personal Licence Holders..

Your Photo Looks Nothing Like You on Your Personal Licence? Here’s What to Do

Your Personal Licence is a legal document that authorises you to sell or supervise the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. It includes a photocard and a paper counterpart,..

Can I sell alcohol at a private event without any form of Licence?

Selling alcohol at a private event in England or Wales usually requires a Licence, even if the event is not open to the general public. The key distinction is between..

Understanding ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

alcoholic beverage. It indicates the percentage of pure alcohol (ethanol) in a given volume of liquid. For example, a drink with 12% ABV contains 12ml of pure alcohol per 100ml..

The Exemption regarding Alcohol Consumption by 16- and 17-Year-Olds: What the Law Allows

You all know that you can NEVER SELL ALCOHOL to someone UNDER 18, right? That’s a given. However under Section 150(4) of the Licensing Act 2003, there is a specific..

Alcohol with Food

The Exemption regarding Alcohol Consumption by 16- and 17-Year-Olds: What the Law Allows

You all know that you can NEVER SELL ALCOHOL to someone UNDER 18, right? That’s a given. However under Section 150(4) of the Licensing Act 2003, there is a specific..

The meaning of an ‘ancillary’ regarding the sale/supply of alcohol

In UK alcohol licensing law, the term ‘ancillary’ means secondary or subordinate to something else. The word derives from the Latin word, ‘ancilla’ which means ‘serving-maid’ or ‘maidservant’ which partially..

What Is a Substantial Table Meal in Licensing Terms?

A substantial table meal is a concept used in alcohol licensing to determine whether alcohol can be served in certain circumstances – particularly where alcohol must be ancillary to food. ..

Pavement Licenses

PAVEMENT LICENCES in ENGLAND

In case you ever wondered how to extend your seating onto the pavement outside your premises, then here’s our essential guide… Features of Pavement Licence Purpose: Allows businesses to place..

PAVEMENT LICENCES in WALES

Yes, pavement licence regulations in Wales differ from those in England, primarily in terms of the legal framework and administrative process. Here’s our summary of the key differences in Wales:..

DRWYDDDEDAU PALMANT YNG NGHYMRU

Ydy, mae rheoliadau trwyddedau palmant yng Nghymru yn wahanol i’r rhai yn Lloegr, yn bennaf o ran y fframwaith cyfreithiol a’r broses weinyddol. Dyma grynodeb o’r prif wahaniaethau yng Nghymru:..

Vapes

Can Pubs sell Tobacco & Vape Products?

Yes, pubs in England and Wales can sell tobacco and vape products, but there are important legal requirements and upcoming changes that licensees need to be aware of. Current Legal..

Upcoming Vape Licensing Changes – What Retailers Need to Know!

Compulsory Licensing for Vape Retailers Under the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, all businesses selling vaping products will soon be required to be licensed. This new system is designed to..

Vape Shop Licensing – Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Progress of the Bill through Parliament The Bill has completed its stages in the House of Commons and is now under review in the House of Lords. It includes provisions..

Vaping in Pubs: What the Law Says

Legal Status: There is no nationwide law in England and Wales that explicitly bans vaping indoors in pubs. Unlike smoking, which is prohibited in enclosed public spaces under the Health..

Temporary Events Notices

How to run a stall selling Alcohol at a Village Show or Farmers’ Market

Every summer The Licensing Guys visit numerous events where pop up stalls selling alcohol were in abundance. However adherence to the legal requirements is often ‘patchy’. To be you’ll need..

TEMPORARY EVENT NOTICES

With Halloween and Christmas on the horizon, please review your Event Planning calendars. You may well need extra hours to deliver on your programme. If so, you’ll need a TEN...

Other Registrations

Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)

The AWRS is a regulatory scheme introduced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in 2016 to combat alcohol fraud and ensure that businesses selling alcohol wholesale in the UK are..

Do you need a Licence for a Car Boot Sale?

We received this enquiry this morning, so here we go… Yes — in most cases, you do need some form of authorisation or licence to hold a car boot sale..

How to sell fireworks up until Bonfire Night etc?

Selling fireworks in England and Wales is tightly regulated to ensure public safety. Here’s are the legal requirements, restrictions, and authorisations involved: Licensing Requirements To sell fireworks, you must: Retailers..

Background History of Licensing

Why do we have Licensing legislation? The origin story

The origins of modern UK alcohol licensing laws are closely tied to concerns during World War I, particularly around munitions workers and alcohol consumption. Here’s a breakdown of the historical..

A Brief History of Premises Licensing in the UK

The regulation of alcohol and the licensing of premises in the UK has evolved over centuries, shaped by social, political, and public health concerns. From medieval alehouses to modern-day Licensing..

Why it’s correct to say ‘Premises’ and not ‘Premise’ in Licensing Law

1. Legal and Regulatory Usage In the context of alcohol licensing in England and Wales, the term “Premises Licence” is the correct and legally defined term under the Licensing Act..

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