A one-day course provides candidates with the relevant regulations and legal information needed to pass the personal licence exam. This is the first step in the process of obtaining an alcohol licence.
What is a Personal Licence?
In England and Wales, a Personal Licence (APLH) holder can sell alcohol within a retail environment. In Scotland, a Scottish Personal Licence (SCPLH) is required to sell alcohol within a retail environment.
The licence consists of a laminated identification card and an A4 paper document which shows the licence holder’s photograph and address details.
A Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence is required for all premises licensed to sell alcohol. This is the minimum legal requirement. However, most premises employ several licence holders to ensure seamless cover and demonstrate due diligence to local authorities.
An authorised officer may ask you to present your alcohol licence in the course of your work. This is a legal requirement. So, if you lose your licence or it gets stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement.
Alcohol can be sold without a licence if you have a temporary events notice (TEN). A single TEN can only licence one event which lasts for a maximum of 7 consecutive days.
How long is an Alcohol Licence Valid For?
As of April 1, 2015, Personal Licences (APLH) issued in England or Wales do not expire and will run indefinitely unless cancelled, surrendered, or forfeited. For example, if your licence was issued after April 6, 2017, and you are no longer eligible to work in the UK, your licence will be cancelled.
Scottish Personal Licences (SCPLH) are valid for 10 years. Licence holders in Scotland must complete a refresher qualification (SCPLH/R) after 5 years for their licence to remain valid.
To get a Personal Licence, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold an alcohol licensing qualification.
- Attend a Personal Licence course and pass the APLH exam.
The APLH exam is 40 minutes long and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. You must answer 28 questions correctly to pass the exam. - Apply to your local council for your personal licence.
Cost of Personal Licence Training
The 1-day licence course costs £150. This price includes the exam, plus one free exam resit (if required), lunch and refreshments.
Cost of The Licence
Your local council will charge a £37 fee when you apply for your Personal Licence. You will also require a DBS Check (formerly CRB), which costs £35. Both of these charges are exempt from VAT.
Licence Application
After passing the personal licence exam, you must apply to your local council. You will need to fill out two forms and send them to the council: a ‘Licence Application‘ form and a ‘Disclosure of Convictions’ form. You will also need to provide the following paperwork:
- A copy of a utility bill, bank statement or official letter (no older than 3 months) which confirms your name and current address.
- A copy of either your passport, driving licence or birth certificate (the latter should be accompanied by a National Insurance Number).
- Two passport-size photographs (one of which should be endorsed as a true likeness). Our professionally qualified tutors can endorse this for you if you bring it to one of our APLH courses.
We provide an APLH Application Service from £50 (+VAT), plus the disbursement costs, detailed above.
Is There a Personal Licence Course Near Me?
We provide our courses through a network of training sites across the UK, so you are never very far from a training venue. Select one below for further details.
