Personal licences

Why should you apply?

Why should you apply for a personal licence?

Every supply of alcohol under the premises licence must be made or authorised by a personal licence holder. This means that even if a premises has a premises licence, alcohol cannot be served if a personal licence holder is not named as the Designated Premises Supervisor on the premises licence and if that person has not authorised the sale of alcohol.

Do all alcohol serving staff need a personal licence?

No, the only person at alcohol-serving premises who must have a personal licence is the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). However, it would be advisable for each premise to have at least one personal licence holder in the case of accident or prolonged absence of the DPS.

Does the Designated Premises Supervisor need to be on the premises when alcohol is being served?

No, but that person must always be contactable. As the Designated Premises Supervisor is ultimately responsible for every alcohol sale, if there is any problem at the premises, it will be a matter for the courts to decide if the DPS has taken all reasonable steps in an attempt to prevent such problems.

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