A personal licence lets you authorise the sale of alcohol in England and Wales, and you need an accredited qualification plus a DBS check to apply. Applications go to the local council where you live, not where the premises is.
Any premises selling alcohol needs a designated premises supervisor who holds one, so for most retail and hospitality businesses this is not optional.
What is a personal licence?
A personal licence authorises an individual to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003. It is held by a person, lasts indefinitely unless revoked, and moves with you between jobs.
It is separate from the premises licence, which attaches to the building. A venue needs both: a premises licence for the site and at least one personal licence holder as designated premises supervisor.
How do you get a personal licence?
Pass an accredited licensing qualification, obtain a basic DBS check, then apply to your local council with the fee. The qualification is a one-day course ending in a multiple-choice exam.
The usual qualification is the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders. Most candidates complete the course and exam in a single day.
What does it cost and how long does it take?
| Step | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 course and exam | £100–£200 | 1 day |
| Basic DBS check | Around £20–£25 | 1–2 weeks |
| Council application fee | Around £37 | Varies by council |
Budget four to six weeks from booking the course to holding the licence, with the DBS check usually the longest step.
Who needs one?
Anyone acting as designated premises supervisor, and in practice anyone authorising alcohol sales. Staff serving alcohol do not each need one, provided sales are authorised by a licence holder.
Many operators train more than one member of staff so cover does not depend on a single person being available.
Does it apply across the UK?
Personal licences under the Licensing Act 2003 apply to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate licensing regimes with their own qualifications.
If you operate across borders, check the requirements for each jurisdiction rather than assuming one licence covers all.
Sourcing stock once you are licensed
Once licensed, your next obligation is checking that whoever supplies your alcohol is approved by HMRC — see how to check an AWRS number.
We supply wholesale spirits, beer and wine to licensed trade buyers. Request trade pricing.