Personal Licence in the UK: What You Need

Last updated: 2 May 2026

Most people think a personal licence is optional if you’re taking on a pub — it’s not. You cannot legally serve a single pint without one, and the pubco won’t touch your application without proof you’re working towards it. I took on Teal Farm Pub in Washington three years ago under a Marston’s CRP agreement, and the first thing our BDM asked for was my personal licence number. If you’re serious about running a pub, understanding the personal licence in the UK is the foundation everything else sits on. This guide explains what it actually is, who needs it, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what’s changed in 2026 that affects new applicants.

What Is a Personal Licence?

A personal licence is a 10-year legal permission issued by your local authority that allows you to sell or supply alcohol in the UK. Without it, you cannot legally work behind the bar, manage the pub, or authorise anyone else to sell alcohol. It’s entirely separate from the pub licence itself — the building can have the licence, but you cannot sell a drop without your personal licence in your name.

Think of it this way: the pub licence is permission for the building to serve alcohol. Your personal licence is permission for you to be the person making that happen. If you’re a manager or owner, you need it. If you’re a bar staff member, your pub’s designated premises supervisor (DPS) needs theirs, but you don’t necessarily need your own — though many staff get one for career development.

The personal licence is portable. If you leave Teal Farm and take on another pub down the road, you bring your existing licence with you. You don’t reapply; you just notify your new local authority that you’re now operating there.

Who Needs a Personal Licence?

If you’re taking on a pub as a licensee, tenant, manager, or you hold any responsibility for alcohol sales, you need a personal licence before day one. This includes:

• Freehold pub owners
• Tenants under a pubco agreement (Marston’s CRP, Star Pubs, Punch, Greene King, etc.)
• Tied tenants
• Community pub operators
• Head managers authorised to sell or supply alcohol
• Designated premises supervisors (DPS)

If you’re a bar staff member with no management responsibility, you can work under someone else’s licence — but that person must be on premises when alcohol is sold, unless your manager holds a personal licence too.

Here’s a practical detail most new operators miss: when you sign the tenancy agreement, the pubco will ask for your licence number. If you don’t have one, they won’t proceed. I’ve seen prospective licensees delay their application and then panic when the pubco won’t move forward with paperwork. Apply before you sign anything.

Requirements and Eligibility

To get a personal licence in the UK, you must meet four basic requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years old. Second, you need to hold a qualifying alcohol qualification — either the Level 1 Award in Alcohol and Licensing (the minimum) or Level 2 (preferred by most pubcos). Third, you must have no relevant unspent convictions. Fourth, you must be a British or EU citizen or have the right to work in the UK.

The Alcohol Qualification

This is non-negotiable. The most common is the Level 1 Award in Alcohol and Licensing — a one-day course that covers the Licensing Act 2003, your legal responsibilities, identifying ID, safeguarding, and basic health and safety. You can complete it online or in person; I’d recommend in person if you have time, because the instructor can answer questions specific to your pub setup.

The Level 1 takes one day. The Level 2 is more thorough — two days — and covers everything Level 1 does plus staff training, stock control, and business aspects. Most pubcos now prefer Level 2, and honestly, if you’re taking on a tied pub with a BDM relationship, it shows you’re serious. The Level 2 also helps when managing your pub business rates and understanding your financial obligations under the tenancy.

Cost is roughly £50–150 depending on the training provider. Search for approved providers through your local authority or through organisations like the BIIAB (British Institute of Innkeeping), which delivers the most widely recognised qualifications.

Convictions and Criminal History

You’ll be asked about convictions during your application. The licensing authority will do a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, but they’re specifically interested in relevant convictions — mainly those involving dishonesty, violence, drugs, or breach of licensing law. A conviction from 20 years ago for speeding won’t block you. A conviction for theft or assault will almost certainly be grounds for refusal.

The key word is “unspent”. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, convictions become “spent” after a certain period. For most offences, that’s 5–10 years depending on the sentence. Once spent, you don’t need to declare them. If you’re unsure, contact your local authority’s licensing team — they’ll give you an honest answer before you apply.

Right to Work in the UK

You must be a British citizen, EU/EEA citizen with settled status, or have proof of the right to work in the UK. If you’re not sure, the UK government’s right to work checker will tell you immediately.

How to Apply for a Personal Licence

The application is handled by your local authority, not the pub’s licensing authority. Your local authority is where you live, not where the pub is located. This is a detail people often get wrong.

Step 1: Get Your Alcohol Qualification

Complete the Level 1 or Level 2 course. You’ll receive a certificate. Keep the original — you’ll need it for your application.

Step 2: Get Your DBS Check

You’ll need an enhanced DBS check. You can apply directly through a registered DBS provider (not through your local authority initially). The cost is around £18–25 and takes 1–2 weeks. Your local authority can direct you to accredited providers, or you can find them through the official DBS website.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Download the personal licence application form from your local authority’s licensing website. You’ll be asked:

• Your name, address, date of birth
• Your alcohol qualification details
• Your DBS reference number
• Criminal history (if any)
• Details of any previous licensing applications

Fill it out completely. Incomplete applications get rejected and sent back, adding 2–3 weeks to your timeline.

Step 4: Submit and Pay the Fee

Submit the form to your local authority’s licensing team, along with copies of your qualification certificate and DBS check. Pay the application fee — this ranges from £37 to £107 depending on your local authority. There’s no national standard, so check your council’s website first.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Your local authority will contact you if they need any additional information. Once approved, your licence is issued and valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Total timeline: 6–12 weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete the qualification and submit your application. Start this as soon as you’ve decided to take on a pub — don’t wait until you’ve signed the tenancy.

Costs and Renewal

Here’s what you’ll actually spend to get and maintain a personal licence in 2026:

• Level 1 Qualification: £50–150
• Enhanced DBS Check: £18–25
• Application Fee: £37–107 (local authority dependent)
• Total first-time cost: £105–282

Once issued, your licence is valid for 10 years with no ongoing fees — but you must renew before it expires.

Renewal Process

Your personal licence renewal must be submitted before your 10-year expiry date, or your licence becomes invalid and you cannot legally serve alcohol. This is a criminal offence — not complying with licence requirements can result in fines up to £5,000 or prosecution.

When renewal opens (usually 2–3 months before expiry), your local authority will send you a reminder. The renewal process is simpler than the initial application — you don’t need a new qualification or DBS check, just proof that you still meet the requirements. The fee is similar to the initial application, around £37–107.

I’ve known licensees forget renewal deadlines. Set a reminder in your phone when you issue your licence — don’t rely on the local authority to chase you.

What’s Changed in the Personal Licence Framework in 2026

The core requirements for a personal licence haven’t fundamentally changed, but there have been administrative updates affecting how applications are processed and what pubcos now expect.

Faster DBS Processing

As of early 2026, enhanced DBS checks are processing faster — most now complete within 5–7 working days rather than the 2–3 week wait of previous years. This shaves time off your application timeline.

Pubco Expectations Have Tightened

Major pubcos like Marston’s, Star Pubs, and Punch now routinely request Level 2 qualifications rather than Level 1. In my experience with Marston’s CRP, Level 2 holders progress faster through the ingoing process because the pubco sees it as evidence of professional commitment. If you’re applying to a pubco-backed pub, factor in the extra one day for Level 2 training and the additional cost (usually around £50–100 more than Level 1).

Universal Credit and Right to Work Checks

Local authorities are now conducting more rigorous right-to-work verification. If you’re a non-UK citizen, expect the process to take longer and prepare additional documentation proving settled status or visa status. This is standard procedure, not discrimination — just plan for it.

Digital Licensing Portals Rolling Out Nationally

Some local authorities have moved to digital-only application systems. You can no longer walk into the licensing office with a paper form. Everything is online. Make sure you’re comfortable with this before you apply — test access to your local authority’s portal in advance.

Before you sign anything with a pubco, make sure you understand the full financial picture of the pub you’re taking on. The personal licence is just the legal side. Knowing your numbers is just as critical. Pub Command Centre gives you real-time financial visibility from day one — £97 once, with no subscription fees.

Common Mistakes People Make with Personal Licences

After 15 years in hospitality and three years running Teal Farm, I’ve seen licensees stumble on things that should be straightforward.

Applying to the wrong local authority. Your local authority is where you live, not where the pub is. I’ve seen people apply to the district council where the pub is located and then have to reapply to their home authority. Check the UK government’s council finder before you do anything.

Not getting the DBS check first. Some people try to apply without it, thinking the local authority will sort it. They won’t. You need the DBS reference number on your application form, so get it done before you submit anything.

Assuming the qualification is just a box-tick. It’s not. The Level 2 qualification particularly teaches you things you’ll need — stock control, staff management, business basics. Treat it as genuine training, not just paperwork.

Forgetting the renewal deadline. Ten years sounds like forever when you’re starting out. It isn’t. The moment your licence is issued, add the expiry date to your calendar. I’ve seen licensees lose the right to operate because they missed the renewal window by weeks.

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