Table of Contents
- What Is a Personal Alcohol Licence and Do You Need One?
- Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
- Step 2: Complete the APLH Qualification
- Understanding APLH Qualification Cost and Course Options
- Designated Premises Supervisor Responsibilities Explained
- What Happens After You Apply: Timeline and Appeals
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 7, 2026
What Is a Personal Alcohol Licence and Do You Need One?
A personal alcohol licence is a legal authorisation granted under the Licensing Act 2003 that allows an individual to authorise the retail sale of alcohol at licensed premises in England and Wales (legislation.gov.uk). Without this qualification, you cannot act as a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) or personally authorise alcohol sales, even if the premises themselves hold a valid premises licence.
There is a different process for the SCPLH Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders and also the SCPLH-R which is the 5 year refresher course that is only in Scotland. For specific information on the process in Scotland, please click the link below.
https://knighttraining.co.uk/collections/personal-licence-scotland
The process of understanding how to get a personal alcohol licence uk comes down to four distinct stages: meeting eligibility criteria, completing an accredited qualification, obtaining a criminal record check, and submitting an application to your local authority. The steps below reflect what actually works in practice.
Most people assume the hardest part is the exam. In reality, the application itself causes the most delays, usually because of incomplete paperwork or an incorrect DBS check. This guide breaks down each stage so you know precisely what to expect, what documents you need, and where most applications stall.
Why would you need a Personal Licence?
As a Personal Licence Holder, you will be entitled to take full advantage of the many opportunities the alcohol and hospitality industry offers. Whether you are hoping to gain a promotion at your current employment, start a new business or set-up an events company, the Personal Licence will be invaluable in allowing you to legally, and responsibly, authorise the sale of alcohol. Examples of the benefits include, but are not limited to; taking on Management roles within a Premises, Licensing a new Premises, increased number of Temporary Events Notices (TENs) and training new staff through induction.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before you invest time in a course, confirm you meet the basic legal requirements. The criteria are strict, and failing any one of them means your application will be refused regardless of your exam results.
Age and Right to Work Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to hold a personal alcohol licence (gov.uk). You also need the legal right to work in the UK, which the local authority verifies as part of the application process. If you are not a British citizen, you will need to demonstrate your immigration status through the appropriate documentation.
The right to work requirement is checked through your submitted documents, so ensure your passport, biometric residence permit, or share code is current before you begin. Applications submitted with expired documentation are routinely returned without being processed, adding weeks to your timeline.
Criminal Record Checks and Convictions
Your criminal record directly affects your eligibility. Certain convictions, particularly those related to serious crime, will result in a mandatory refusal of your personal alcohol licence application. The Licensing Act 2003 sets out which offences are considered "relevant offences," and the local authority has no discretion to grant a licence if you have one of these on your record.
For less serious convictions, the decision falls to the licensing authority, which weighs your application against the four licensing objectives. If you have any doubt about how a past conviction might affect your application, contact the licensing department of your local authority before paying for a course. Many applicants discover their ineligibility only after spending money on training, which is entirely avoidable with an early conversation.
Step 2: Complete the APLH Qualification
The mandatory qualification is the Award for Personal Licence Holders, commonly known as the APLH. This is a regulated qualification accredited by Ofqual, and you must pass it before you can submit your personal alcohol licence application.
The APLH course covers the legal framework for alcohol sales, including the Licensing Act 2003, the four licensing objectives, premises licence requirements, and the responsibilities of a DPS. The exam is a multiple-choice test taken under invigilated conditions, and you need a score of at least 28 out of 40 to pass. Most candidates complete the training in one day, though online options allow you to study at your own pace before booking the exam.
What the APLH Course Covers
The course content is practical rather than academic. You will learn about the conditions attached to premises licences, what constitutes a relevant offence, and how to handle challenges to licensing applications. The exam tests your understanding of these areas, so choose a training provider that explains the material clearly rather than simply reading from a script.
Understanding APLH Qualification Cost and Course Options
The APLH qualification cost varies significantly between providers, but the price should never be your only consideration. A cheaper course that fails to prepare you for the exam, or issues a certificate that your local authority rejects, ends up costing far more in time and re-sits.
Course options fall into three broad categories: classroom-based training, online self-study, and blended learning. Classroom courses suit people who learn best with a tutor present, while online options offer flexibility for those balancing work commitments or wanting to study from the comfort of your own home. Blended approaches combine self-paced study with a structured exam session.
What most guides miss is that the advertised course fee often excludes the exam booking, the DBS check, and the application fee payable to your local authority. Always ask what is included before you enrol. A transparent provider will break down exactly what you are paying for. Knight Training offers combined course and application service packages.
How to make a Personal Licence Application
When you have completed your APLH (England and Wales) or SCPLH (Scotland) Qualification you can make an official Personal Licence Application to your local licensing authority. You need to make your application to the Licensing Authority which covers your home address. In some areas, this will mean making an application to your local council. In other areas, there will be a ‘licensing partnership’. Our team will help you find out where to make your application. We will then make sure your application is in line with the Licensing Policy and Police and Immigration rules.
Requirements vary, but usually you will need to include a criminal record check (DBS Certificate), Personal Licence Holders’ Certificate, proof of right to work in the UK, two passport photos (certified), and the correct supporting documentation.
This process varies slightly across the UK, and it is essential that the application is submitted correctly, regularly chased up, and the licence is checked once received.
What is the process?
Upon completion of an APLH or SCPLH, you will be in a position to make an official application to your Local Licensing Authority to obtain a Licence. This must be made to the relevant Licensing Offices who take jurisdiction over your residential address, based at your local council Authority. Once found, a valid Application must be made to this Office, in line with their Licensing Policy and complies with both Police and Immigration guidelines (as of 2017). Typically, a valid Application consists of a Criminal Record Check, Personal Licence Holders Certificate, Proof of Right to Work in the UK, two Passport Photos (certified), and the correct supporting documentation.
This process varies across the UK, and it is essential that the Application is submitted correctly, regularly chased up, and checked once received.
Knight Training offers this service to support & represent you, to the relevant Authorities, in order to have your Personal Licence returned to you in the speediest time possible and with the least possible hassle.
Process breakdown :
- Completion of Personal Licence Course (APLH/SCPLH)
- Completion of a Personal Licence Application Pack (provided by Knight Training)
- Submission of a valid Personal Licence Application
- Criminal Record Check by Disclosure and Barring service
- Decision to grant Licence by Local Authority.
- Printing of the Licence (including a Licence photo-card depending on Issuing Authority)
- Required Documents and Application Form
Your application must include several mandatory documents. The application form itself must be completed accurately, and you will need to provide proof of your APLH qualification, two identical passport-style photographs, proof of your right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS check reference.
One element that catches many applicants out is the declaration of relevant convictions. You must declare any relevant or foreign criminal offences, and failing to disclose them is an offence in itself. The form also requires you to nominate your DPS if you are applying in connection with specific premises, though you can hold a personal licence without being a DPS.
Application Fees and Processing Timeline
The application fee of £37 for a personal licence is set by the licensing authority and must be paid when you submit your application. The fee is payable regardless of whether your application is ultimately successful, so ensure your paperwork is complete before you pay.
Once submitted, the local authority must determine your application within a statutory timeframe, but be aware that Councils are typically underfunded and have back logs of Licensing applications. The licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder is central to this assessment, which is why your criminal record check carries such weight.
Designated Premises Supervisor Responsibilities Explained
The designated premises supervisor responsibilities are among the most misunderstood aspects of the licensing regime. The DPS is the individual named on a premises licence who holds a personal alcohol licence and is responsible for authorising the retail sale of alcohol at that specific location.
The DPS does not need to be present every time alcohol is sold, but they must be contactable and available to attend the premises when required. The premises licence holder has a legal obligation to ensure a DPS is named on the licence, and every sale of alcohol must be authorised by someone who holds a personal alcohol licence.
If your personal licence is forfeited or suspended, you lose your ability to act as a DPS. This is why maintaining compliance with the conditions of your licence matters. A conviction for a relevant offence after you hold a licence can result in forfeiture, which is a separate process from the initial application and carries its own right of appeal.
What Happens After You Apply: Timeline and Appeals
After your application is submitted, the local authority will issue your Personal Licence. The Licence is valid indefinitely, but it is tied to your personal details. If you change your name or address, you must notify the licensing authority so they can update their records.
Your personal alcohol licence remains valid as long as you hold it, but it can be revoked through a review process or suspended following a conviction. Renewal is not required in England or Wales (Unless in Scotland) but keeping your details current with the licensing authority is a legal obligation.
Appeals Process and Refusals
If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to the magistrates' court. The appeal must be lodged within 21 days of the refusal decision, and the court will hear your case afresh rather than simply reviewing the council's decision.
Common reasons for refusal include undeclared convictions, incomplete paperwork, or objections from responsible authorities. Many refusals stem from errors that could have been avoided with proper preparation.
Stage |
Typical Duration |
Common Pitfall |
|---|---|---|
APLH course and exam |
6 hours plus 1 hour exam |
Choosing a non-accredited provider |
DBS check processing |
up to 10 working days |
Submitting the wrong type of check |
Local authority determination |
2 to 12 weeks |
Incomplete application form |
Understanding how to get a personal alcohol licence is straightforward when you know the sequence: qualify, check, apply, and wait. The friction most applicants experience comes from avoidable errors in paperwork or choosing the wrong training provider.
At Knight Training, we handle the complexities of your licensing requirements through a streamlined 3-step process that covers your APLH qualification, DBS check guidance, and application submission. Our interactive learning modules and flexible online exam booking make the process manageable. Accredited by the Highfield Awarding Body and the British Institute of Innkeeping, our packages are designed for independent pubs and large chains alike.
Get started with Knight Training and let our expert team manage your personal alcohol licence application while you focus on running your business. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the personal licence exam?
The APLH exam is a 40-question multiple-choice paper with a pass mark of 28. It covers the Licensing Act 2003, licensing objectives, and your legal responsibilities. Most candidates pass on the first attempt, especially with a structured course. The questions test practical knowledge, such as when you can refuse service and what conditions apply to a premises licence, rather than legal theory.
How long does it take to get a personal licence after applying?
Once you submit a complete application to the local authority, they must process it within a statutory timeframe, typically a few weeks. Delays usually happen when documents are missing or a DBS check is not attached. Your licence is valid indefinitely unless it is suspended or forfeited, but you must inform the licensing authority if you change address.
What is the difference between a personal licence and a premises licence?
A personal licence allows an individual to authorise the sale of alcohol. A premises licence is held by the business and covers a specific location. You need both to sell alcohol legally, unless you are a club operating under a club premises certificate. A designated premises supervisor (DPS) must be named on the premises licence.