Are you thinking of opening a pub or bar? Maybe you have a restaurant and want to sell alcohol with your meals? Or perhaps you’re planning a one-off event, such as a festival? Well, if you or your establishment want to sell colourful cocktails, light lagers and wonderful wines you’ll need to apply for a personal licence. 

What is a Personal Licence and Why You May Need One?

Any premises which is licenced to sell alcohol, such as a shop, pub or restaurant, must have a designated premises supervisor (DPS) who has a paper certificate called a personal licence. This licence holder can then authorise others on the premises to sell alcohol.

So, why do you need a licence to sell alcohol? Well, it’s to ensure that everyone who does so, acts in a professional manner. The training required to gain this licence teaches individuals about the responsibilities of selling alcohol and the effects of doing so. This is one step towards cutting underage drinking, fighting drunk driving and decreasing drunk and disorderly behaviour.

If you work somewhere that sells alcohol, don’t worry, only one person needs to have a personal licence and the owner should sort this. The only instance where this is not needed is if the premises is a community owned building that has applied to dis-apply the DPS requirement under section 41D of the Licensing Act 2003.

Do I Need a DBS Check for a Personal Licence?

Yes, you do. But a basic disclosure is all an individual needs in order to apply for a personal licence. There is no need for more advanced checks.

Anyone 18 years or over can apply for a personal licence via a responsible organisation, as long as they hold a licensing qualification, such as a BII level II examination certificate, EDI NCPLH or equivalent. Make sure you have these qualifications before you apply for the licence from your local council though.

Learn More About DBS Checks from CBScreening

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