The single most common point of confusion in alcohol licensing: “I’ve got my personal licence — so can I open my bar now?” No — because the Licensing Act 2003 licenses people and places separately. To sell alcohol legally you need both halves.
The personal licence: licensing the person
A personal licence authorises an individual to make or authorise the sale of alcohol. Key facts:
- Granted by the council where you live, after you pass the APLH Level 2 qualification and a criminal record check
- Costs £37 in council fees; never expires
- Moves with you from job to job — it belongs to you, not the premises
The premises licence: licensing the place
A premises licence authorises a specific location to carry out licensable activities — selling alcohol, regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment. Key facts:
- Granted by the council where the premises is
- Sets the operating schedule: hours, activities, conditions, plans
- Must name a Designated Premises Supervisor (a personal licence holder) for alcohol to be sold
- Application fee depends on the property’s rateable value, plus an annual fee
- Requires public advertisement and a 28-day consultation period
How the two fit together
Think of it as a triangle: the premises licence permits the place, the DPS (named on it) takes day-to-day responsibility, and every sale is made or authorised by a personal licence holder. One person can hold all three roles — a sole-trader café owner, for instance — or they can be split across an owner, a manager and staff.
Which do you need?
- Bar staff: neither — you work under a licence holder’s authorisation.
- Supervisor / duty manager: a personal licence.
- Opening a bar, shop or restaurant: both — a premises licence for the site and at least one personal licence holder to act as DPS.
- One-off event: often neither — a Temporary Event Notice may cover it (see our TENs guide).
Getting both sorted
Start with the personal licence course — it takes days, not weeks, and the premises application needs your DPS lined up anyway. For the premises side, our Premises Licence Application service prepares the full application — operating schedule, plans, notices and consultation — which is where DIY applications most often go wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be the DPS of premises I don’t own?
Yes — the DPS is about day-to-day management, not ownership. Most DPSs are employed managers.
Does a premises licence expire?
No, it continues as long as the annual fee is paid, though it can be reviewed, suspended or revoked if problems arise.
Do I need a premises licence to sell alcohol online?
Yes — the premises where the alcohol is stored and despatched needs a premises licence, and sales must be authorised by a personal licence holder.
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