The Licensing Act 2003 states that if you plan to serve alcohol on licensed premises, then you must have a designated premises supervisor appointed. To become a DPS, you must have a personal licence. This is the same for all premises, so applies in the same way too:
- pubs,
- restaurants,
- cafes,
- event spaces,
- off licences,
- hair salons
and absolutely any licensed venue that wishes to conduct the sale of alcohol on/off the premises.
So, what is a personal licence, and why do I need one?
If you want to provide your customers with alcoholic drinks on your premises in any way, or to have your staff serve alcohol, you or someone on your staff need to be appointed DPS, and all sales need to be authorised by a personal licence holder.
A personal licence permits the holder to authorise others to sell or supply alcohol on any licensed premises. The licence is intended to ensure the professional and legal sale of alcohol by businesses. Section 135 of the Licensing Act 2003 provides that a personal licence on-premises where they are authorising sales must, when prompted by a constable or authorised officer, produce their personal licence. Failure to do this could result in a personal fine of up to £500. So once you have it, and when you are using it, make sure you carry it.
The Benefits Of Getting A Personal Licence
Do you work in the hospitality sector or any environment where alcohol is served? You might have heard about a Personal Licence, but do you know how one can give you a career boost.
A Personal Licence allows an individual or business owner to supply or authorise the supply of alcohol.
Career Progression
A personal licence will allow you to move onto more senior retail and hospitality roles. The qualification is valued by employers as it shows you have a thorough understanding of the licensing act. Having this accreditation shows employers you have valuable skills and are prepared for a career in the hospitality and bar industry. Also if you are looking to open your own establishment, a personal licence is a legal requirement to authorise the sale of alcohol.
A rise in the number of hospitality jobs
New data recently showed that there has been a rise in the number of hospitality jobs advertise. If you want to stand out from the crowd in this growing industry then a Personal Licence will give you an edge.
Gain a permanent qualification
In England and Wales, there is no need to renew your personal licence. By not having to renew your personal licence gives you the flexibility to fall back on it and take your career in another direction. No matter what you choose to do with your career, it can only be a bonus on your CV to qualify.
Build your knowledge
Attending a personal licence course will give you a better understanding of licensing laws and therefore avoid making costly errors that could lead to fines or fixed penalties.
Meet new people
When you attend a personal licence course you will meet other people in your industry and be able to meet like-minded individuals and make new contacts. This is a great opportunity to build your network and can help you when you look for jobs in the future.
Get a qualification quickly
In comparison to how long it takes to get accredited in other fields, getting your Personal Licence is speedy. As we’ve said employers value a personal licence qualification, so you will see a return on your investment.
Get your Personal Licence by getting Licensed
ABC Training Services offers a Personal Licence e-learning course that suits your schedule. This course is intended to provide you with the knowledge you need to complete the test to become a personal licence holder. It covers all the major topics relating to UK licencing law, responsibilities and penalties for breaching these. It also looks in detail at the issue of age verification including an interactive element to support learning in this area. To take this course click here.
