🏷️ 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:
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✅ One for the individual (Personal Licence)
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✅ One for the venue (Premises Licence)
🔑 Personal Licence
Issued to an individual.
✅ What It Allows:
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Sell alcohol legally
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Authorise others to sell alcohol
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Be appointed as a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)
👤 Key Points:
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Issued by your local council
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Valid anywhere in England & Wales
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You can only hold one at a time
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You don’t have to be on the premises at all times
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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:
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🛒 Retail sale of alcohol
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🕺 Regulated entertainment (music, dancing, etc.)
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🍽️ Late-night refreshment (11pm–5am)
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🏛️ Club alcohol supply (with a Club Premises Certificate)
🏷️ Key Points:
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Tied to the venue, not a person
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Must name a DPS if alcohol is sold
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Can be held by an individual, business, or organisation
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Not transferable to another location
⚖️ Key Differences at a Glance
| Personal Licence | Premises Licence | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued To | An individual | A premises (location) |
| Main Purpose | Authorises a person to sell alcohol | Authorises a venue for licensable activities |
| Required For | Becoming a DPS | Selling 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:
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Hold a valid Personal Licence
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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:
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⚖️ Unlimited fines
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🚔 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:
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The original Premises Licence (can be digital if allowed)
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Signed consent from the new DPS (we’ll guide you)
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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