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 of the key requirements under this legislation is the need for a Personal Licence – a qualification that empowers individuals to authorise alcohol sales at Licensed Premises.
1. Legal Requirement:
A Personal Licence is legally required for anyone who wishes to authorise the sale of alcohol at a premises licensed for that purpose. Every sale or supply of alcohol must be made or authorised by a Personal Licence holder. Without this, the premises risks breaching its Licence conditions, which can lead to fines, prosecution, or even closure.
2. Linked to the Individual:
Unlike a Premises Licence, which is tied to a location, a Personal Licence is linked to the individual. This means a Personal Licence Holder can work across different venues without needing to reapply in each Local Authority area. It also allows them to act as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) – the person legally responsible for overseeing alcohol sales.
3. Ensures Responsible Alcohol Sales:
Personal Licence Holders are trained to understand the legal, social, and safety implications of selling alcohol. They are expected to uphold the four licensing objectives:
This knowledge helps protect the public and ensures that alcohol is sold in a way that minimises harm.
4. Required for Most Hospitality and Retail Businesses:
Whether you’re running a pub, bar, restaurant, hotel, off-licence, or event venue, you will need at least one Personal Licence Holder on staff. This is especially important for businesses that sell alcohol regularly. Temporary events may be covered by a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), but ongoing alcohol sales require both a Premises Licence and a Personal Licence.
5. Application and Qualification:
To obtain a Personal Licence, applicants must:
Once granted, a Personal Licence is valid indefinitely unless surrendered or revoked.
In summary, a Personal Licence is not just a regulatory box to tick—it’s a vital credential that ensures alcohol is sold legally, responsibly, and with accountability. For anyone involved in alcohol retail, it’s an essential step toward compliance and professionalism.
Here at The Licensing Guys, we have obtained hundreds of Personal Licences for our clients. If you need advice or assistance, just get in touch!
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