What You Should Know for a Personal Licence Course.

Do you want to work in a pub, bar, restaurant, or retail business that sells alcohol? If so, you will require a personal license. Anyone in a responsible job who sells alcohol in licensed establishments in the UK must have this license. This qualification is required if you want to become a bar manager or operate your own pub. 

At SafetyMark Training, we provide comprehensive personal license courses in London to assist you in comprehending the intricacies of acquiring this valuable qualification. We will guide you through every aspect of personal licenses, including course requirements and application procedures, so let’s begin!

What is a personal license? 

A personal license is a legal document that authorises the holder to sell alcohol on licensed premises.  Personal licenses are required for persons in managerial or supervisory roles, particularly bar managers, premises supervisors, and anybody in charge of alcohol sales in a licensed establishment. 

To operate legally and responsibly in the alcohol retail industry, it is necessary to grasp the legal implications of alcohol sales. Personal licenses ensure that persons who sell alcohol are fully aware of the law and understand the actions required to avoid illicit sales or underage drinking. 

Why do you need a personal license? 

If you are employed in the hospitality industry, you are required to obtain a personal license for various reasons.

1. Legal Requirement: To be in control of alcohol sales or management in a licensed facility, you must have a personal license. 

2. Responsible Alcohol Sales: It ensures that you understand the significance of responsible alcohol sales, such as not selling to minors or drunk people. 

3. Compliance with the Law: A personal license demonstrates that you are in accordance with UK alcohol licensing legislation and have undergone appropriate training to handle alcohol responsibly. 

Holding a personal license is about more than just being legal; it’s about assuring customer safety and well-being, avoiding underage drinking, and encouraging responsible alcohol usage. 

What does the personal license course cover?

The personal license course aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge to oversee alcohol sales. SafetyMark Training provides the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), the official qualification required to earn a personal licence. 

Here’s what you’ll learn throughout the course: 

1. The License Objectives 

The course teaches you the main objectives of alcohol licensing, which include: 

The prevention of crime and chaos. 

-Public safety. 

The prevention of public annoyance. 

-Protecting children from harm. 

Understanding these objectives is crucial since they serve as the foundation for all alcohol-related licensing rules in the United Kingdom. 

2. Licensing Act 2003 

The training will introduce you to the Licensing Act 2003, which regulates the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. The training will go over the major issues of the legislation, helping you understand your duties when selling alcohol. 

3. Alcohol-related offences. 

Learn about the legal ramifications of selling alcohol to minors or drunk individuals. The training comprehensively addresses alcohol-related charges and sanctions, ensuring you fully understand the risks associated with irresponsible alcohol sales.

4. Promoting responsible drinking. 

As a personal license holder, you must promote responsible drinking. This section of the course teaches you how to reduce alcohol-related harm and how to handle challenging circumstances, such as dealing with customers who have taken too much alcohol. 

5. The role of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) 

A Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is the person in charge of overseeing the sale of alcohol on licensed premises. The course will educate you on the DPS role and how it relates to your duties as a personal license holder. 

What is the Personal Licensing Course in London about? 

SafetyMark Training ensures that the personal license training in London is as accessible and informative as possible. This is an overview of the course structure. 

1. Course Duration 

The personal license course typically lasts one full day (about 7-8 hours). During this period, you will participate in fascinating lessons, interactive conversations, and practical exercises designed to reinforce essential concepts. The training is tough, but we’ll give you everything you need to succeed.

2. Course Content Delivery 

We present the course information in an understandable way using a mix of presentations, case studies, and real-world examples. Our trainers are highly skilled and offer an engaging and dynamic teaching method, allowing you to learn at your own speed. 

3. Multiple-choice examination 

At the conclusion of the course, you will take a multiple-choice exam. This exam assesses your understanding of the course material, which includes the Licensing Act 2003, the four licensing objectives, and the duties of personal license holders. Don’t be concerned—if you paid attention during training, you’ll be well-prepared. 

4. Certification

After passing the exam, you will obtain the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) credential. This is the official qualification required to apply for your personal license. 

How can I apply for a personal licence in London?

After finishing your course and receiving your APLH certificate, the next step is to apply for your personal license. 

1. Submit an application to the local council. 

You must submit your personal license application to your local licensing body, which is typically your council. They will process your application and ensure that everything is in order. 

2. Complete a criminal record check. 

As part of your application, you must provide a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This check guarantees that you have no alcohol-related crimes or major criminal convictions that would prevent you from obtaining a personal license. 

3. Pay the application fee. 

The local council will charge you an application fee. The charge may vary based on where you live, but it is often within a certain range. 

4. Receive Your Personal License. 

Your application will grant you a personal license valid for ten years. You’ll need to renew it after this term, but in the meantime, it’s your key to overseeing alcohol sales at permitted establishments. 

Benefits of having a personal license 

If you’re curious about the benefits of obtaining a personal license, here are some of them:

1. Legal Compliance 

Personal licenses are required by law for people who sell alcohol. By obtaining a personal license, you ensure that your venue complies with UK legislation, avoiding fines and penalties. 

2. Career advancement 

If you intend to work in the hospitality industry, particularly in managerial positions, a personal license is required. It can lead to a larger variety of work prospects, such as managing a pub or restaurant. 

3. Increased knowledge. 

The training teaches you about licensing rules, alcohol-related offences, and how to promote responsible drinking.  This knowledge can help you become more efficient and confident in your work. 

4. Promoting responsible drinking. 

A personal license not only permits the sale of alcohol but also guarantees its responsible distribution. This will equip you with the tools to manage situations where intoxication could pose a risk, thereby fostering a safer environment for patrons.

Success Stories for Personal Licence Holders Trained by SafetyMark Training 

1. Sophie, Pub Manager in East London 

Sophie, a newly promoted pub manager, signed up for SafetyMark Training’s personal license course to legally manage alcohol sales. After passing the exam, she established responsible alcohol service and increased compliance, which helped her pub gain a reputation for safety. Her personal license provided her with opportunities for more leadership positions in the hotel industry. 

2. David, retail manager at an off-license store. 

David, a retail manager in North London, needs a personal license to continue operating an off-licence store. After finishing the training, he ensured prudent alcohol sales, earning the respect of both customers and local authorities. His personal license boosted the store’s sales and his professional chances. 

3. Rachel, the nightclub’s bar supervisor 

Rachel, a bar supervisor, needs a personal license to oversee alcohol serving at a nightclub. After completing the SafetyMark Training course, she applied responsible drinking techniques, resulting in fewer alcohol-related incidents. Her accomplishment resulted in more notoriety in the nightlife business. 

4. John, a restaurant owner in West London 

John, a new restaurant owner, acquired his personal license to legally serve alcohol from SafetyMark Training. His dedication to compliance and responsible service helped his restaurant establish a solid reputation, increasing customer loyalty and opening up chances for future growth. 

5. Sarah, event coordinator for a conference venue. 

Sarah, an event coordinator, needs a personal license to supervise alcohol sales during events at a conference location. After completing the training, she guaranteed that the venue’s alcohol service was smooth and legal, which improved its reputation and earned her additional notoriety in the event planning sector. 

6. Michael, Hotel Bar Manager in Central London 

The hotel promoted Michael, a bar manager, to oversee its alcohol operations, but he needed a personal license to continue lawfully serving alcohol. Michael achieved a complete awareness of licensing rules and appropriate service practices after finishing SafetyMark Training’s Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders program. He used his newfound knowledge to implement stringent age verification measures and to encourage guests to drink responsibly. His emphasis on compliance resulted in fewer problems, and his hotel gained a reputation for being a safe environment for all visitors. 

7. Emma is the event manager for a sports stadium. 

Emma was an event manager at a major sports stadium. She needed a personal license to coordinate alcohol service at sporting events and contests. After finishing her training at SafetyMark, she learnt how to manage large crowds responsibly, prevent underage drinking, and regulate alcohol sales during high-traffic events.  Emma used her personal license to successfully run events with little concern, assisting the stadium in maintaining a safe and compliant environment, resulting in increased business and sponsorship exposure. 

8. Tom, a senior waiter at a fine dining restaurant 

Tom, a senior waiter at a fancy restaurant, aspired to enhance his job performance. He realised he needed a personal license to legally manage alcohol sales when he received an offer for a supervisory position. He learnt about the Licensing Act 2003, how to prevent serving drunk consumers, and the importance of supporting the four licensing objectives during the SafetyMark Training course. After acquiring his personal license, Tom took on a more responsible job, eventually becoming the restaurant’s new bar supervisor. His qualification enabled him to train other employees, strengthening his authority and ensuring his future professional advancement in the restaurant sector. 

9. Jack, a catering manager for a wedding venue 

Jack was the catering manager at a wedding venue, and because alcohol was frequently served at occasions, he needed to obtain a personal license. After finishing the personal license training at SafetyMark Training, Jack had a good grasp of how to manage alcohol sales responsibly. He ensured that the venue followed all alcohol-related restrictions, resulting in additional wedding bookings and excellent feedback. Jack’s qualifications also enabled him to advance to the position of venue manager, where he oversaw larger events and helped grow the venue’s revenue. 

10. Olivia, head bartender at a cocktail bar 

Olivia, the head barman at a trendy cocktail bar, was responsible for handling the alcohol service, but she needed a personal license to do so. She took the personal license course with SafetyMark Training and learned about alcohol regulations, age verification, and personal licensing obligations.  Olivia used her new certifications to strengthen bar operations, increase customer service, and promote safe drinking. Her efforts effectively resolved alcohol-related issues at the bar, leading to her swift promotion to bar manager, a role she excelled in.

These case studies show how obtaining a personal license can have a significant influence on firms in a variety of industries, including pubs, restaurants, retail, and nightclubs. Whether you are a bar manager, pub owner, or retail shop manager, acquiring a personal license is a legal and responsible step that ensures the smooth operation of your business and creates a safer environment for your clients. 

At SafetyMark Training, we offer top-tier personal license courses that will equip you to succeed and apply for your license with confidence. We’re here to help you understand the process and ensure you’re completely prepared to manage alcohol sales responsibly. 

Ready to take the first step? Contact SafetyMark Training to enrol in our personal license course in London and begin your journey today! 

Common Questions Regarding the Personal License Course 

1. Can I take the personal license course online? 

Yes! Many training providers, including SafetyMark Training, provide online personal license courses. This allows you to complete the course at your own speed and time. 

2. How long does it take to obtain a personal license? 

Once you’ve completed the personal licence course and passed the exam, your local council may take several weeks to process your application and issue your licence. The full procedure, from completing the course to acquiring your license, might take 4-6 weeks. 

3. If I don’t directly sell alcohol, do I still require a personal license?

If your profession entails supervising alcohol sales or operating a venue that sells alcohol, you will require a personal license. This covers positions such as bar managers, premises supervisors, and shop managers in retail contexts. 

Wrapping Up

Obtaining a personal license is a must if you intend to work in the hospitality or retail alcohol industries. At SafetyMark Training, we provide high-quality personal license courses in London, giving you all the tools and knowledge you need to pass the exam and confidently apply for your personal license. 

A personal license is more than simply compliance; it also ensures responsible alcohol sales and promotes a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for your customers. This qualification is the first step towards success, whether you’re just starting out in the sector or looking to expand your career.

Ready to start? Contact SafetyMark Training today to enrol in our personal license course in London and begin your journey to being a licensed professional!

 References

1. Gov.uk: Personal Licence Holders
    gov.uk/personal-licence
   
2. Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Licensing and Alcohol Sales
    hse.gov.uk/alcohol/index.htm
   
3. The Licensing Act 2003
    legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/contents/enacted