getting a licence to run a pub

All you need to know about getting a licence to run a pub

The licensing laws for England & Wales changed in August 2005, when the old 1964 Licensing Act was superseded by the new Licensing Act 2003, which came in to force in 2005. Under this new Licensing Act, you now need to hold a personal license to sell alcohol from a pub. Obtaining a license to become a pub landlord is relatively simple. You will need to attend a one day training course on licensing laws for England & Wales. Personal License Training Limited specialise in running these courses throughout England, Wales and Scotland. If you are looking to become a landlord in Scotland, you will need to attend a Scottish licensing course- click here for more details.

Pub license exam
The course will include a multiple choice examination of 40 questions at the end of the training day, based upon the Licensing Act 2003 or the Scottish Licensing Act 2005. We have added a link on pub exams below, so you will know what to expect. Give it a try!

• Licensing Act 2003 for England & Wales mock online exam
• Licensing Act 2005 for Scotland mock online exam

Under the old 1964 Licensing Act, there where several types of training courses such as:

1. On License
2. Off License
3. Part 4 (Restaurant License)

The Award for Personal License Holders (APLH) Level 2 or the Scottish equivalent (SCPLH) covers all of these key areas and can be used for holding a pub license where alcohol is sold both on and off the premises, from an off license, restaurant or any other establishment where alcohol is sold by retail to a member of the general public. If you are looking to become a pub landlord, you will require a personal licence, allowing you to become the licensee or Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) as it is now known.

Applying for a pub license?
Most public houses are brewery owned and most pub companies will expect an applicant to hold a personal license before being considered for one of its pubs. Some pub company’s do run in house courses, but these can prove to be expensive! When applying for a license to run a pub, you will also have to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check to prove you have no relevant offences under both the Licensing Act 2003 and the Scottish Licensing Act 2005. A relevant offence may lead to an objection from the police to your personal license application.

How much is a pub license?
The average cost of a licensee’s personal pub license is around £300. This would include processing the full licence, examination fees, CRB or PNC check and cost of the training course. This license is then valid for ten years.

A pub will also hold a premises license in its own right, renewable every twelve months this based on the ratable value of the public house.
Book your pub license course online
Personal License Training Limited can process your full personal alcohol license for just £295.00- click here to find your local training venue and for course dates. Simply enter your post code and choose from over 120 training venues nationwide.