Ever fancied stepping up to a manager role at your local? Or maybe you’d like to be the go-to person when someone needs to authorise an alcohol sale at the shop?
If so, you’ll need a Personal Licence.
Here at Essential Food Hygiene, we’ve helped countless people get the qualifications they need for their careers. And the Personal Licence? It’s one of the most common we’re asked about. So let’s break it down into simple, manageable steps.
What Is a Personal Licence and Why Do You Need One?
A Personal Licence is your golden ticket to legally supply alcohol—or authorise others to do so—at any premises with a valid licence. It’s not just a nice-to-have. Under the Licensing Act 2003, it’s a legal requirement for certain roles in England & Wales.
Who Actually Needs One?
You definitely need a Personal Licence if:
- You want to be the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) at any venue selling alcohol.
- You regularly authorise alcohol sales when the DPS isn’t around.
- You’re eyeing up management roles in pubs, bars, restaurants or retail.
Here’s the thing: every licensed premises must have a DPS. No exceptions.
And that DPS? They need a Personal Licence.
But it’s not just about ticking legal boxes. A Personal Licence shows you understand the law, your responsibilities, and the wider social issues around alcohol sales. It’s a proper career asset that travels with you and enables you to serve alcohol at any licensed venue in England and Wales.
The Two-Step Process to Getting Your Licence
Getting your Personal Licence isn’t complicated. But you do need to follow the process properly.
Think of it as a simple two-step journey.
Step 1: Get the Right Qualification
First things first—you need an accredited qualification. The one you’re after is the Level 2 Personal Alcohol Licence. Without this certificate, councils won’t even look at your licence application. It’s that important.
The qualification proves you understand:
- Licensing law and your legal responsibilities.
- How to prevent underage sales.
- Managing conflict and refusing service.
- The social impact of irresponsible alcohol sales.
The Online Method (The Modern Way)
This is where we come in. Our online course is built for busy working people. No need to take time off work. No awkward classroom sessions.
Here’s exactly how it works:
- Enrol Online: Head to our Level 2 Personal Alcohol Licence course page. Sign up takes minutes. You’ll get instant access to all the learning materials.
- Learn at Your Own Pace: The course is 100% online. Study during down-time. After your evening shift. Sunday morning with a brew. Whatever works for you. The content’s broken into bite-sized modules. Easy to digest. Designed to stick.
- Take the Exam from Home: Once you’ve completed the modules, you’ll sit a proctored exam online. We help you get this set up—it’s dead simple. Take it from your kitchen table if you want. No travel. No stress. Just you, your computer, and some multiple-choice questions.
- Get Your Certificate: Pass the exam, and your accredited APLH certificate arrives in your inbox a few days later. This is your key to the next step.
Ready to get started? You can enrol on our fully accredited course right now.
Step 2: Apply to Your Local Council
Certificate in hand? Brilliant. Now you need to apply for the actual Personal Licence from your local council.
Important: You must apply to the council where you live, not where you work.
What You’ll Need to Submit
Get these documents ready:
- The Application Form: Download it from your council’s website. Fill it out carefully—mistakes slow everything down.
- Your APLH Qualification Certificate: The one you just earned. They’ll want to see the original or a certified copy.
- A Basic Disclosure (DBS) Check: This criminal record check must be less than one month old when you submit your application. You can apply for one online through the government’s website. The fee is currently £21.50.
- Two Passport-Sized Photographs: One needs to be endorsed by a professional person (think solicitor, doctor, teacher) confirming it’s a true likeness of you. Old school, but that’s the rule.
- The Application Fee: The statutory fee is £37. Check your local authority’s website for how to pay. Bundle all this together, submit it to your council’s licensing department, and you’re sorted. Processing usually takes a few weeks. Once approved, your Personal Licence is granted.
Other Ways to Get Your APLH Qualification
Now, we genuinely believe online learning is the way forward.
But let’s be fair—it’s not the only way.
The Traditional Classroom Route
Before online courses took off, everyone trudged to a training centre for their APLH qualification. These classroom courses still exist. Usually run by local colleges or private training providers.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
The Reality of Classroom Training:
- You’ll need to book a specific date—often weeks in advance.
- It’s typically a full-day course (9am to 5pm).
- You’ll sit in a room with 10-20 other people.
- The exam happens at the end of the day.
- Costs range from £120 to £200+ (not including travel).
The Downsides?
Taking a full day off work isn’t always possible. Especially in hospitality where weekends are your busiest times.
Then there’s the travel. Petrol, parking, maybe even a train ticket. It adds up.
And if you don’t pass the exam? You’re booking another day off, paying again, travelling again.
Why Online Makes More Sense
Look, we’re not saying classroom courses are terrible. But when you compare the two options side by side, online learning just makes more sense for most people.
With our online course:
- Study whenever suits you—2am after a late shift? No problem.
- Take as long as you need—rush through in a day or spread it over weeks.
- Resit the exam from home if needed (a small fee applies).
- The total cost is transparent and typically lower.
- No travel, no time off work, no hassle.
The qualification you get is exactly the same. Same accreditation. Same recognition from councils. Just without the faff.
Common Questions About Personal Licences
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 4-6 weeks. Our online course can be completed in a day if you’re keen, and the exam can be booked for a couple of days after that. The DBS check takes 1-2 weeks to arrive. Council processing is usually 2-3 weeks.
What If I Have a Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The council looks at relevant offences—things like theft, violence, or drug-related crimes. Minor stuff from years ago might not matter since its only a basic DBS check.
Be honest on your application. Trying to hide things only causes problems.
Do I Need to Renew My Personal Licence?
Your Personal Licence itself does not expire. Since 2015, they are granted indefinitely.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Getting your Personal Licence is a proper investment in your career. It opens doors to management roles. Shows employers you’re serious. Gives you the flexibility to work anywhere with a licence. The process might seem formal, but it’s straightforward when you break it down:
- Step 1: Get your APLH qualification.
- Step 2: Get your DBS check and send it, and the APLH test results to your council.
That’s it. Two steps to a valuable, career-boosting qualification.