What is a personal licence?
A personal licence allows an individual to sell or supply or authorise the sale or supply of alcohol where a premises licence is in force. The licence allows the holder to move from one premise to another without the need to apply for a new licence each time. Personal licence applications must be made to the Council in which the applicant lives. Once a licence has been issued, the holder may be nominated by a premises licence holder as a ‘Designated Premises Supervisor’, which is required for all alcohol sales. This person usually has responsibility for the day to day running of the premises.
Who can apply for a personal licence?
You must be aged 18 or over, not hold a personal licence in another Council area and not have had a personal licence forfeited in the period of five years ending with the day the application is made. You must possess an accredited or approved licensing qualification accredited by the Secretary of State. These qualifications include:
- BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders;
- EDI (formerly GOAL) Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders;
- EDI (formerly GOAL) Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders.
For further information, contact:
- BIIAB on 01276 684449
What is the application process and how much does it cost?
Personal licence applications must be made to the Council in which the applicant lives. An applicant must:
- Submit an application form
- Submit a disclosure of convictions and declaration
- produce a criminal record check, see below
- produce evidence of the relevant qualification
- pay the required fee of £37.00
- submit 2 colour passport size photographs endorsed as a true likeness
A criminal record check is:
- A criminal conviction certificate issued under section 112 of the Police Act 1997(1), or
- A criminal record certificate issued under section 113a of the Police Act 1997, or
- The results of a subject access search under the Data Protection Act 1998(2) of the Police National Computer by the National Identification Service.
Can I apply online?
No, please contact the Licensing Team on 01495 355485.
How long will it take to process my application and will tacit consent apply?
Where an applicant has not been convicted of a relevant or foreign offence, the Council must grant the licence immediately, i.e. tacit consent will apply; therefore the application is deemed granted.
Where relevant or foreign offences are identified, the Council must notify the Chief Officer of Police for the area. If he is satisfied that granting the licence would undermine the crime prevention objective, he must, within 14 days beginning with the day he receives the notice, notify the Council in writing of his reason. The Council must then hold a hearing to consider the objection notice, unless all parties agree that it is unnecessary, and decide if the licence should be granted or rejected.
What happens if my application is refused – can I appeal?
Yes, you can appeal against the decision to a Magistrates’ Court, within 21 days from being notified of the decision in writing.
Consumer complaints
If you have a complaint, please contact the Licensing Team on 01495 355485.