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 sell alcohol must have a named DPS who holds a valid personal licence. This individual is responsible for the day-to-day management of the premises and acts as the primary point of contact for Licensing Authorities, police, and other regulatory bodies.
Failing to keep your DPS details current can have serious legal and operational consequences:
Legal Compliance: Selling alcohol without a valid DPS is a breach of mandatory licence conditions. This can lead to enforcement action, including prosecution, unlimited fines, and even imprisonment.
Licence Risk: An outdated DPS record may trigger a licence review, potentially resulting in suspension or revocation of the premises licence.
Operational Vulnerability: If a DPS leaves or is suspended and no replacement is appointed promptly, the premises may be operating illegally. Every sale of alcohol during this period could be deemed unlawful.
Reputation and Trust: The DPS is a primary representative of the business. Their absence or mismanagement can damage relationships with responsible authorities and the local community, undermining public trust.
Risk of Oversight: Staff turnover is common in the hospitality sector. Without a proactive approach to updating DPS details, businesses may inadvertently expose themselves to compliance failures.
To mitigate these risks, licence holders should ensure that:
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date DPS records is not just a legal requirement – it’s a cornerstone of responsible alcohol retailing and good business practice.
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