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 to a criminal offence that may disqualify someone from holding a Personal Licence to sell alcohol. These offences are considered serious enough to raise concerns about an individual’s suitability to manage alcohol sales responsibly and uphold the Licensing Objectives.

What Counts as a Relevant Offence? Schedule 4 lists a wide range of offences, including but not limited to:

Violent crimes (e.g. assault, grievous bodily harm)
Drug-related offences (e.g. possession, trafficking)
Sexual offences
Fraud and dishonesty (e.g. theft, deception)
Licensing-specific offences (e.g. selling alcohol to minors, allowing disorderly conduct)

These offences are typically tried in a Magistrates’ or Crown Court and result in a conviction that must be disclosed when applying for a Personal Licence.

Why Do They Matter?

They help protect the public from individuals who may pose a risk in alcohol-related environments.
Licensing Authorities and police use them to assess the character and suitability of applicants.

Therefore, if someone has a conviction for a relevant offence, the Police can object to their Personal Licence application.

A Personal Licence Holder who is subsequently convicted of a relevant offence must notify the Licensing Authority, which may trigger a review or revocation.

In short, relevant offences act as a safeguard to ensure that alcohol is sold and managed by responsible individuals who can uphold the law and licensing objectives.