Every premises licence in England and Wales that authorises the sale of alcohol must name a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). If the licence has no DPS — even for a day — no alcohol can legally be sold. Yet the role is one of the most misunderstood in hospitality. Here’s what it actually involves.
What the DPS is
The DPS is the person in day-to-day charge of alcohol sales at the premises, named on Part A of the premises licence. The idea is simple: police and licensing officers need a single named individual they can contact and hold accountable for how alcohol is sold.
There are two legal requirements to be a DPS:
- You must hold a personal licence, and
- You must have given consent to being named (the “consent of DPS” form).
What the DPS is responsible for
- Ensuring every sale of alcohol is made or authorised by a personal licence holder
- Day-to-day compliance with the licence conditions and the four licensing objectives
- Staff authorisation and training — Challenge 25, refusals, drunkenness
- Being the primary contact for police and the licensing authority
Importantly, the DPS does not have to be on site at all times — but they must have genuine day-to-day involvement and proper arrangements for when they’re absent. A “name on the licence” who never visits the premises is a red flag at review hearings.
One DPS per premises, one premises per DPS?
A premises can have only one DPS. A person can be DPS of more than one premises, but licensing authorities expect them to explain how they’ll genuinely supervise each — being DPS of half a dozen sites rarely survives scrutiny.
How to become (or replace) a DPS
- Get a personal licence — starting with the Level 2 APLH qualification. If you’re heading straight into a supervisory role, the Level 2 Award for Designated Premises Supervisors adds the practical DPS-specific knowledge: authorisations, incident logs, dealing with the authorities.
- The premises licence holder applies to “vary the licence to specify a new DPS”, with your consent form attached.
- The change can take effect immediately on submission if requested — vital for a smooth handover when a manager leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pub trade while the DPS is on holiday?
Yes. The DPS doesn’t need to be present for sales to happen — staff just need authorisation from a personal licence holder. What the premises can’t do is trade with the DPS position vacant on the licence.
What happens if the DPS resigns?
They can give notice to the licensing authority; the premises must name a replacement promptly or stop selling alcohol. Plan successions ahead — get an assistant manager licensed before you need them, not after.
Is the DPS personally liable for offences?
The DPS can be prosecuted for offences like sales to children where they are at fault, and their personal licence is on the line at any review. Good records — training logs, refusals books, authorisation lists — are the DPS’s best protection.
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