personal licence

 

licensing child page

 

do I need a personal licence?

 

You will need a personal licence under the new Act if you want to sell alcohol.  If you are to be the DPS named on the premises licence you must hold a valid personal licence.  All sales of alcohol must be authorised by a personal licence holder so it would be useful to have more than one personal licence holder working at a particular site.  However, it is not a legal requirement for a personal licence holder always to be present when alcohol is sold.

 

how do I apply for a personal licence?

 

The application requires the following:

  • completed application in the specified form
  • basic criminal record check
  • a photograph which has been certified to confirm your identity
  • a statement of any relevant offences (if applicable)
  • an accredited qualification (the NCPLH national certificate for personal licence holders is the only accredited qualification at present)
  • the fee

 

You will need to send a copy of the application and all the documents to the police within 48 hours.

 

The local authority must grant your personal licence if there are no objections by the police. The police can object if you have been convicted of a relevant offence or if they think that the granting of a licence will undermine the crime prevention objective.  If you are refused a personal licence you can appeal to the Magistrates.  The local authority must deal with your application within three months of the receipt of the application.

 

what are relevant offences?

 

There is a long list of relevant offences in the Act.  They include crimes involving violence and dishonesty, offences under the Licensing Act 1964, offences involving drugs and firearms and drink driving offences.

 

how long does the personal licence last?

 

The licence will last for ten years and the application to renew will have to be made to the local authority that originally granted the licence.

 

what happens if I move?

 

If you move or change your name you have to let the local authority know otherwise you will be committing an offence.  Also if you are convicted of a relevant offence you must inform the local authority.

 

can my licence be taken off me?

 

If convicted for a relevant offence, yes. The licence can be suspended or revoked at the time you are sentenced by the court.  The order can be suspended pending an appeal.