Premises Licence — Fixed to a Location
A Premises Licence is tied to a specific physical address because it governs:
- Where alcohol is sold or supplied
- How the premises operates (e.g., layout, hours, conditions)
- What activities are permitted (e.g., off-sales, on-sales, entertainment)
Why it’s location-bound:
Licensing authorities (local councils) assess each site individually for public safety, nuisance, crime prevention, and protection of children. Conditions are tailored to the premises—like CCTV requirements, noise controls, or signage.
Therefore: If you move your operation to a new address, you need a new Premises Licence or a variation to the existing one.
Personal Licence — Movable Across Locations
A Personal Licence is issued to an individual and allows them to:
- Supervise the sale of alcohol
- Be named as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) on any licensed premises
Why it’s portable:
It’s about the person’s suitability, not the place. Once granted, it’s valid nationwide and doesn’t expire. You can work at different licensed premises without reapplying—you just need to update the DPS details on the relevant Premises Licence with the relevant Council.
How the Premises Licence and the Personal Licence Work Together:
The Premises Licence sets the rules for the location.
The Personal Licence holder ensures those rules are followed and that alcohol is sold responsibly.









