A personal licence lets you sell alcohol, or authorise others to sell it, in England and Wales. You get it once by passing a one-day Level 2 course (APLH) and applying to your local council, and it does not expire. Below are clear answers to the questions people ask Google most about personal licences.
Quick answer: Pass the APLH exam, get a basic DBS check, apply to your local council and pay the fee. Your licence is valid for life unless it is surrendered, suspended or revoked.
What is a personal licence?
A personal licence is issued to an individual under the Licensing Act 2003. It shows that you understand the law on selling alcohol and can be trusted to do it responsibly.
It is different from a premises licence. A premises licence belongs to the venue and sets what it can do and when. A personal licence belongs to you, and goes with you if you change jobs. Read more in our guide: What Is a Premises Licence and How Do You Apply?
Do I need a personal licence to sell alcohol?
Not every member of staff needs one. But every sale of alcohol under a premises licence must be authorised by someone who holds a personal licence.
Every venue that sells alcohol must also name a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). The DPS must hold a personal licence. If your DPS leaves and you have no replacement, you must stop selling alcohol until a new DPS is in place.
In short: if you own or manage a bar, restaurant, shop or takeaway that sells alcohol, you almost certainly need one.
How do I apply for a personal licence?
You apply to the council where you live, not where you work. You must be 18 or over.
- Pass the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH).
- Get a basic DBS check (from GOV.UK).
- Fill in the personal licence application form and the disclosure of convictions form.
- Send it with the documents and fee listed below.
- The council decides your application. Most aim to issue the licence within 2 months.
What to send with your application:
- two passport-style photos, one endorsed as a true likeness
- your APLH certificate
- your basic DBS certificate (usually issued within the last month)
- proof of your right to work in the UK
- the fee of £37
Incomplete applications are usually rejected, so check every document before you send it.
What is the personal licence course and exam like?
The course is the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH). It takes one day, with the exam at the end of the same day. The exam has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need 70% to pass (28 out of 40).
It covers:
- the Licensing Act 2003 and the four licensing objectives
- the role of the DPS and personal licence holders
- protecting children from harm, including age checks
- responsible sales and refusing drunk customers
- Temporary Event Notices and licensing offences
Want to see if you are ready? Try our free Personal Licence Practice Questions.
How long does a personal licence last?
It does not expire. Since April 2015, personal licences in England and Wales no longer need renewing. Licences issued before then, with a 10-year date on them, are still valid.
Your licence stays valid unless you surrender it, or a court or the council suspends or revokes it.
Other common questions
How much does a personal licence cost?
The council fee is £37. On top of that you pay for the APLH course and exam, and a basic DBS check.
Can I get a personal licence with a criminal record?
Possibly. You must declare relevant offences, such as drink-driving, theft, drugs or violence offences. Spent convictions do not count. If you declare a relevant offence, the police can object and the council will hold a hearing.
What if I move house or change my name?
You must tell the council that issued your licence. You do not need a new licence.
Can I use my personal licence anywhere?
Yes. It is valid at any licensed premises in England and Wales, not just one venue.
Get your personal licence with Anka
Anka Group is a Highfield-approved centre. We run the APLH course in English and Turkish, and help you with your council application afterwards, included in the course price.
Book your Personal Licence Training, call or WhatsApp us on +44 7378 501348, or contact us here for a free consultation.
By Elif Goksal, APLH, Founder & Managing Director, Anka Advisory Group. This article is general information and not legal advice.