How to Get Your Personal Licence in London: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

 

Introduction: Why a Personal Licence Matters in London

London’s hospitality scene is thriving — from cocktail bars in Soho to rooftop restaurants in Shoreditch, pubs in Camden, and bustling late-night venues in Central London. But behind every thriving bar or restaurant lies a legal requirement: the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated under the Licensing Act 2003.

If you want to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol, you must hold a Personal Licence. This is not just a piece of paper; it’s your gateway to career progression, higher responsibility, and management roles.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get your Personal Licence in London, step by step — from enrolling in the course to passing your exam, applying to your local council, and advancing your career.

Step 1: Understand Why You Need a Personal Licence

Before jumping into the process, it’s essential to know why this licence is so important.

What is a Personal Licence?

A Personal Licence is an official permit that allows you to sell or authorise alcohol sales. Every licensed premises — pub, bar, nightclub, hotel, or shop — must have at least one Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a Personal Licence.

Why is it required in London?

London has one of the highest concentrations of licensed venues in the UK, and the law ensures alcohol is sold responsibly. The Licensing Act 2003 sets out four key objectives:

  1. Prevention of crime and disorder.
  2. Ensuring public safety.
  3. Prevention of public nuisance.
  4. Protecting children from harm.

Holding a Personal Licence means you’re trusted to uphold these objectives in your workplace.

Benefits of Having a Personal Licence

  • Career progression: Step into supervisory or management roles.
  • Better job prospects: Employers prefer candidates who already hold a licence.
  • Higher responsibility: You can become the DPS for your venue.
  • Flexibility: Your licence is valid across England and Wales.

In short: if you’re serious about a long-term career in hospitality in London, getting your Personal Licence is non-negotiable.

Step 2: Enrol in a Personal Licence Course

The first step is enrolling in a Personal Licence Course in London, often referred to as the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH).

What Does the Course Cover?

The course prepares you for the responsibilities of being a licence holder. You’ll learn:

  • Licensing Law Basics: The Licensing Act 2003 and how it affects your role.
  • Legal Responsibilities: What you must do as a Personal Licence Holder.
  • Age Verification: How to prevent underage drinking (Challenge 21/25 policies).
  • Managing Alcohol Sales: Handling drunkenness, disorderly behaviour, and difficult customers.
  • Alcohol Awareness: Understanding units, health risks, and social responsibility.
  • Enforcement & Penalties: What happens if you breach licensing laws.

This knowledge ensures you not only pass your exam but also feel confident and legally compliant in your role.

Step 3: Complete the Training

The course is designed to be accessible to everyone — you don’t need any previous experience.

Duration

  • Usually one full day (6–8 hours).
  • Some providers (like SafetyMark Training) also offer online or blended options.

Learning Style

  • Trainer-led sessions with hospitality law experts.
  • Interactive discussions and real-world case studies from London venues.
  • Practice questions to prepare for the exam.

Tip: Many learners say the course is engaging and practical, not just theory. It’s designed to make the legal side easy to understand.

Step 4: Pass the Assessment

At the end of your training, you’ll sit the exam.

Exam Format

  • 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • You must score 28 or more to pass.
  • Exam is usually done on the same day.

Results

  • Results are often available within 24–48 hours.
  • If you’ve trained with SafetyMark, you’ll also get guidance for your next steps.

Most learners pass on their first attempt — especially with proper preparation and practice questions.

Step 5: Gather Your Application Documents

Passing the exam earns you your APLH Certificate, which you need to apply for your licence. But you’ll also need a few other documents:

  • Proof of ID (passport or driving licence).
  • Basic DBS Check (criminal record check, dated within 1 month).
  • Completed application form from your local council.
  • Application fee (currently £37, payable to your council).

Step 6: Apply to Your Local Council

Once you’ve gathered everything:

  1. Submit your APLH certificate.
  2. Provide your DBS check.
  3. Attach your ID.
  4. Pay the application fee.

Your local licensing authority will review your application. Once approved, you’ll receive your official Personal Licence.

Processing times vary by council, but typically range from 2–6 weeks.

Step 7: Advance Your Hospitality Career

Once you hold a Personal Licence in London, your career options expand significantly.

What You Can Do With a Personal Licence

  • Become a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
  • Take on managerial or supervisory roles.
  • Work at any licensed venue in England and Wales.
  • Increase your earning potential.

Real Career Example

Sarah’s Story – Sarah worked as a bartender in London. She took her Personal Licence Course with SafetyMark Training, passed her exam, and applied for her licence. Within two months, she became the DPS at her venue. This promotion not only gave her more responsibility but also came with a significant salary increase.

FAQs: Personal Licence in London

How long does the Personal Licence Course take?

Most courses take just one day, including training and exam.

Do I need hospitality experience?

No. The course is open to anyone aged 18+, whether you’re new to hospitality or already working.

Is the exam difficult?

It’s a multiple-choice test. With proper training and practice questions, most learners pass on their first attempt.

Can I apply immediately after passing?

Yes. As soon as you have your certificate and DBS check, you can submit your application.

Why choose SafetyMark Training?

  • Expert trainers with real hospitality experience.
  • High pass rates.
  • Interactive teaching that makes legal content easy to understand.
  • Full support with your application.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Personal Licence in London is more than a legal requirement — it’s a career investment. From better job opportunities to management roles, it opens doors in one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world.

With SafetyMark Training, the process is straightforward: learn, pass, apply, and succeed. Whether you’re a bartender dreaming of management or an aspiring entrepreneur wanting to run your own venue, your Personal Licence is the key.

Ready to get started? Enrol in a Personal Licence Course in London with SafetyMark Training today and take the first step toward your future in hospitality.

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