If you want to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol, then you’ll need to apply for a personal licence. Having training done is a first step and only then a person can apply for a licence. The personal licence cost is £37, and you can apply for one from your local authority. Once you have your licence, you’ll need to complete an accredited training course on responsible alcohol retailing.
There are a few exceptions to the rule that everyone who sells alcohol must be licensed. If you’re selling alcohol at a premises that holds a club premises certificate, certain community premises or premises operating under a Temporary Event Notice, then you don’t need a personal licence.
It’s important to note that even if you’re not selling alcohol yourself, but are authorising others to do so (for example, as the manager of a pub), you’ll still need a personal licence.
It is also worth noting that if you are found to be selling alcohol without a personal licence, you could be fined up to £20,000. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about personal licence application and cost.

What is a personal licence and what are the requirements for obtaining one?

A personal licence is required in order to sell alcohol, or to be involved in the sale of alcohol, in England and Wales. The Licensing Act 2003 requires that anyone who sells alcohol, or authorises others to do so, must hold a personal licence.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you’re selling alcohol at a premises that holds a club premises certificate, certain community premises or premises operating under a Temporary Event Notice, then you don’t need a personal licence.
It’s important to note that even if you’re not selling alcohol yourself, but are authorising others to do so (for example, as the manager of a pub), you’ll still need premises licences. Also, only premises licence holder can conduct supply of alcohol

The requirements for obtaining a personal licence are as follows:

  • You must be over 18 years of age.
  • You must have completed an accredited personal licence training course on responsible alcohol retailing.
  • You must not have been convicted of any relevant offences.

Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for a personal licence from your local licensing authority and designated premises supervisor (DSP). The personal licence cost is £37, and you will need to provide two photographs of yourself, a form of ID and the completed application form.
Search gov.uk for more information on how to apply for a personal licence or premises licence.

There is no expiry date on the licence. However, you will need to notify your local authority of any changes to your name or address.

What are the penalties for selling alcohol without a personal licence?

If you are found to be selling alcohol or in any supply of alcohol without a personal licence, you could be fined up to £20,000. In addition, your premises could have their licence revoked.
It’s also worth noting that if you allow someone to sell alcohol on your premises who does not have a personal licence, you could be fined up to £10,000.

How do you know if you need a personal licence or not, and where can you find more information about licensing laws in your area?

The best way to find out whether or not you need a personal licence is to contact your local authority. They will be able to advise you on the licensing laws in your area and tell you whether or not you need a personal licence.
Selling alcohol without a personal licence is a serious offence, and can lead to heavy fines. If you’re planning on selling alcohol, make sure you check the licensing laws in your area and apply to become a personal licence holder or licenced premise if necessary.
Indiviuals looking to become personal licence holders can also find more information on licensing laws in your area on the GOV.UK website.

Conclusion:

If you want to sell alcohol, or be involved in the sale of alcohol, in England and Wales, then you’ll need to apply for a personal licence. The personal licence cost is £37, and you can apply for one from your local authority. Once you have your licence, you’ll need to complete an accredited training course on responsible alcohol retailing.
If you are found to be selling alcohol without a personal licence, you could be fined up to £20,000. In addition, your premises could have their licence revoked. It’s also worth noting that if you allow someone to sell alcohol on your premises who does not have a personal licence, you could be fined up to £10,000.
The best way to find out whether or not you need a personal licence is to contact your local authority. They will be able to advise you on the licensing laws in your area and tell you whether or not you need a personal licence.
If you’re planning on selling alcohol, make sure you check the licensing laws in your area and apply for a personal licence if necessary. You can also find more information on licensing laws in your area on the GOV.UK website.