7 Reasons to Take a Personal Licence Course and Elevate Your Career in Hospitality

 

Let’s be honest — the hospitality industry moves fast. Competition is fierce, roles are evolving, and expectations are rising. If you want to thrive, you need more than charm and customer service skills. You need legal knowledge, credibility, and the confidence to manage alcohol sales responsibly.

That’s where a personal licence course comes in.

Whether you're aiming to manage a pub, work in a hotel bar, or simply enhance your qualifications, completing a personal licence course is one of the most strategic steps you can take.

At safetymark-training.co.uk, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals get certified, pass their exams, and step into higher-responsibility roles — from bar supervisors to designated premises supervisors (DPS). And the feedback we hear again and again?

“I wish I’d done this sooner.”

Let’s explore exactly why a personal licence course could be your career turning point — and how it’s becoming an essential qualification for anyone working in or around the sale of alcohol.

 

1. It’s a Legal Requirement to Become a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

This is the first and most obvious reason — if you want to authorise alcohol sales, you must have a personal licence. It’s a legal requirement under the Licensing Act 2003.

Only a person holding a personal licence can become the DPS of licensed premises. This applies to pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs.

So, if you’ve ever said, “One day I’d like to run this place,” the personal licence course is your first formal step.

Employers across the industry prioritise candidates who already hold a personal licence, because it shows initiative and cuts down their paperwork. It also shows that you're ready to shoulder legal responsibility — a big deal in licensed trade.

 

2. It Boosts Your Employability — Instantly

Here’s a stat that matters:

Over 65% of licensed premises prefer hiring team leaders and managers who already hold a personal licence.

Why? Because they don’t have to wait for training or applications. They can put you on the licence straight away and meet compliance requirements.

If you're in the industry — or trying to enter it — having a personal licence on your CV is a fast way to stand out from the competition.

Think about how many hospitality professionals can pull a pint. Now think how many also know the legal requirements around serving alcohol to minors, managing disorderly conduct, and enforcing licensing conditions. That’s what sets you apart.

A recent learner at SafetyMark shared:

“I was working behind the bar for two years. Once I added my personal licence to my CV, I was offered a supervisor role within two weeks. The course was a game-changer.”

 

3. It Gives You the Legal Knowledge Most Staff Don’t Have

The Licensing Act 2003 isn't light reading. But it governs nearly every action taken in a licensed premises — from how drinks are sold to when premises must close.

A personal licence course breaks this legal framework down into clear, usable knowledge. You’ll learn:

  • What conditions apply to licences
  • How to avoid criminal liability
  • The responsibilities of a DPS
  • Penalties for illegal alcohol sales
  • The role of licensing authorities and police

It’s knowledge that empowers you to handle real-life situations confidently and professionally. Whether you're dealing with underage customers or enforcing closing times, you’ll know exactly what the law expects.

A restaurant manager we trained said:

“The legal side used to worry me. But now I feel in control. I can brief my team properly and avoid costly mistakes.”

 

4. You Can Take the Course in a Single Day

You read that right — one full day is all it takes to complete the training.

At SafetyMark Training, our personal licence course is structured to be intensive but digestible. You’ll get face-to-face teaching, real-world examples, and expert-led guidance that prepares you for the multiple-choice exam.

Once you pass the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), we also help you submit your personal licence application to your local authority — a process many find daunting on their own.

This makes it one of the most efficient career-boosting qualifications out there. One day of learning. One exam. And potentially, a big leap forward in your professional life.

 

5. You’ll Gain Respect and Recognition From Employers and Colleagues

Working in hospitality isn’t easy. You deal with long hours, challenging customers, and pressure from all directions. Holding a personal licence demonstrates to employers that you’re serious, trustworthy, and ready for responsibility.

It shows that you:

  • Understand the risks of alcohol misuse
  • Know how to stay compliant with the law
  • Can be trusted to lead when it matters most

In a crowded job market, these are the traits employers value most.

We’ve seen bar staff get promoted. Waiters move into assistant manager roles. Hotel staff transition to licensed event coordinators — all after completing the course.

One pub manager told us:

“I always promote from within, but I look for people who’ve already done the personal licence course. It tells me they’re ready.”

 

Real-World Impact: Testimonials from Our Learners

“I completed the personal licence course through SafetyMark and passed the same day. Within a month, I was promoted to floor supervisor at a busy bar. Totally worth it.”
 — Aaron, Hospitality Professional

“Clear teaching, real examples, and so well organised. SafetyMark made the entire process — including applying for the actual licence — simple.”
 — Sarah, Events Manager

“I was working part-time in a hotel bar. After completing the course, I was offered full-time with more responsibilities. It’s opened doors I didn’t know were there.”
 — Mo, Bar Staff

 

Who Is the Personal Licence Course For?

The course is ideal for:

  • Bar staff aiming for management
  • Restaurant and hotel employees
  • Event managers and caterers
  • Shop owners selling alcohol
  • Anyone planning to open a licensed premises

There are no formal academic entry requirements — but you must be 18 or over and pass a basic criminal record check before your local authority issues your licence.

We provide all support materials, practice questions, and guidance so you feel confident going into the exam.

 

FAQs About the Personal Licence Course

1. Do I need a personal licence to serve alcohol?

Not to serve, but to authorise the sale of alcohol. Only a personal licence holder can be named as a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), which is required by law in order to sell alcohol legally.

 

2. How long does the personal licence course take?

The course takes just one day, followed by a short multiple-choice exam. Many learners complete the course and pass the exam in a single session.

 

3. Is the personal licence valid across the UK?

Yes. Once issued, your personal licence is valid in England and Wales, regardless of where you originally took the course or applied.

 

4. How much does a personal licence cost?

At SafetyMark Training, we offer competitive pricing for our courses, with no hidden fees. The cost includes training, exam, certificate, and application guidance. Contact us for the latest offers.

 

5. What support do I get with the licence application?

We help you every step of the way — from preparing your licence application, guiding you through the DBS check, and ensuring you have the right documentation to apply through your local council.

 

Final Thoughts

The hospitality industry is rebuilding, evolving, and hiring — and skilled, qualified staff are in high demand.

If you’re looking to move up, gain new skills, or simply make yourself more valuable, the personal licence course is the fastest, most effective move you can make.

It’s one day of training. A lifetime of opportunity.

At safetymark-training.co.uk, we make the journey smooth — with friendly tutors, flexible scheduling, and support that goes beyond the classroom.

Take control of your career. Get licensed. And open doors you didn’t know existed.

 

 

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