A personal licence authorises the specified person to supply alcohol or allow the supply of alcohol, in accordance with a premises licence.  Such personal licences are portable between premises. The government is currently discussing the set-up of a central database to contain details of personal licences, so as to facilitate their portability.

You must apply to the Licensing Authority where you live (not the one where the premises you work at is situated unless they are the same) or in other cases any Licensing Authority. You can not apply for more than one personal licence.

Who can apply?

Persons aged 18 or over who

Have not forfeited a personal licence in the previous five years

Do not have any relevant criminal convictions as specified in Schedule 4 (as amended) of the Act. For ease of reference these are listed in our guidance notes. 

Possess an accredited licensing qualification (details of which can be found on the BIIAB, GOAL or GQAL websites from the links at the bottom of this page) or are a prescribed person*

can apply for a Personal Licence.

 *prescribed persons are:

A member of the company of the Master, Wardens, Freemen and Commonality of the Mistery of the Vintners of the City of London

A person operating premises under a licence granted by the University of Cambridge

 A person operating premises under a licence granted by the Board of the Green Cloth.

How long does a licence last ?

A personal licence is valid for 10 years (or until it is surrendered)

Personal licences can be suspended for up to 6 months or forfeited.

How much does a licence cost?

For details of the cost and how to pay please see fees and payments.

Where should I keep the licence ?At any time you make or authorise the sale or supply alcohol, as authorised by a Premises Licence or Temporary Event Notice you must produce your licence to a constable or authorised officer of the Licensing Authority if asked to do so. You should therefore keep it with you or at your place of employment.