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What’s the Difference Between a Personal and a Premises Licence?

What’s the Difference Between a Personal and a Premises Licence?

🏷️ What’s the Difference Between a Personal Licence and a Premises Licence?

If you want to sell alcohol legally in England or Wales, you’ll need two licences:

  • ✅ One for the individual (Personal Licence)
  • ✅ One for the venue (Premises Licence)

🔑 Personal Licence

Issued to an individual.

✅ What It Allows:

  • Sell alcohol legally
  • Authorise others to sell alcohol
  • Be appointed as a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

👤 Key Points:

  • Issued by your local council
  • Valid anywhere in England & Wales
  • You can only hold one at a time
  • You don’t have to be on the premises at all times
  • A business can sell alcohol even if the Personal Licence holder isn’t physically there, as long as a valid DPS is in place and staff are properly trained

🏢 Premises Licence

Issued to a specific location – like a bar, pub, restaurant, shop, or event space.

✅ What It Allows:

  • 🛒 Retail sale of alcohol
  • 🕺 Regulated entertainment (music, dancing, etc.)
  • 🍽️ Late-night refreshment (11pm–5am)
  • 🏛️ Club alcohol supply (with a Club Premises Certificate)

🏷️ Key Points:

  • Tied to the venue, not a person
  • Must name a DPS if alcohol is sold
  • Can be held by an individual, business, or organisation
  • Not transferable to another location

⚖️ Key Differences at a Glance

Personal LicencePremises Licence
Issued ToAn individualA premises (location)
Main PurposeAuthorises a person to sell alcoholAuthorises a venue for licensable activities
Required ForBecoming a DPSSelling alcohol, entertainment, late-night food
Transferable?✔️ Yes (you can use it anywhere)❌ No (fixed to one place)
Must be on site?❌ No – doesn’t need to be there 24/7

👮‍♂️ What is a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)?

The DPS is the named individual on the Premises Licence who takes legal responsibility for how alcohol is sold at that venue.

To qualify, they must:

  • Hold a valid Personal Licence
  • Be named on the Premises Licence

⚠️ They do not have to be physically present at all times – but they are still legally responsible for ensuring alcohol sales are compliant.


🚫 No DPS = No Alcohol Sales

Selling alcohol without a valid DPS in place is a big no-no. It can lead to:

  • ⚖️ Unlimited fines
  • 🚔 Up to 6 months in prison

🔄 Need to Change Your DPS? We’ve Got You.

Let us handle it all – quickly and professionally.

🛠️ Our DPS Change Service Includes:

✔️ All paperwork and forms
✔️ Submission to the local council
✔️ One flat fee – £135 (including licensing authority fees)

📩 What We Need:

  • The original Premises Licence (can be digital if allowed)
  • Signed consent from the new DPS (we’ll guide you)
  • The new DPS must hold a valid Personal Licence

📞 Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make it easy.

🌐 Visit: licensing-solutions.co.uk
📞 Call us now to book your DPS change

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