Personal licence to sell alcohol - guidance

You or a member of your staff must hold a personal licence if you sell alcohol from licensed premises, so that every sale or supply of alcohol is authorised by a personal licence holder.

A new application process normally takes about one month and it can be used throughout England and Wales. You must be 18 years or older and hold an accredited licensing qualification. You are also required to provide a criminal conviction disclosure form. 

A personal licence holder must be named on a premises licence as the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

Licensed premises include any premises that are allowed to sell alcohol under a premises licence.

Personal licences remain valid unless surrendered, suspended, revoked or declared forfeit.

Apply for a personal licence to sell alcohol (PDF)

Further guidance can be found in the sections below.