Just like with applying for a SIA Licence, a lot of questions are raised regarding background checks and whether or not a person with previous convictions will have issues in obtaining a Personal Licence.
The reality is, there is no efficient way to answer this question. A lot of contributing factors will go into the decision as to whether or not a Personal Licence is granted, including the type of previous offensive and how long ago it occurred.
Does the type of offensive affect my application?
Someone who had a driving conviction 20 years ago is more likely to be approved, as opposed to someone who was arrested for dealing drugs and grievous bodily harm within the last year.
Working in an establishment that sells alcohol is not only a reasonability, but also a duty of care. Those processing the sale of alcohol should be responsible and accountable and as a result, are required to be vetted. This is why background checks are required as part of being a Personal Licence holder.
To apply for a Personal Licence to sell alcohol, an applicant will need to declare any relevant criminal convictions. As part of the application in obtaining a Personal Licence applicant will need to submit a Basic DBS Check certificate.
What is a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check is a criminal record check that will reveal any unspent convictions you have. These are commonly termed as convictions that are recent and serious. Basic DBS Checks are available to anyone aged 16 or over who lives in England or Wales.
How do I get a Basic DBS Check?
There are various methods in which an applicant can obtain a basic DBS check. If an individual already works for a licensed establishment, the employer can apply for a Basic Check on the individual’s behalf. This will include all costs and administration fees.
However, if you do not work for a licensed establishment then you will need to apply for a basic DBS check yourself.
What you will need
To apply for a basic DBS check, whether you are applying for a DBS check yourself or through a licensed establishment, you will need the following:
- all your addresses for the last 5 years and the dates you lived there
- your National Insurance number
- a debit or credit card
- your passport
- your driving licence
Once these documents have been obtained, you will then be ready to apply for a basic DBS check.
To begin your application for a basic DBS check, you can visit the Official UK Government Website.
Summary
While it may seem unfair that past mistakes and decisions may affect your application for a Personal Licence, ultimately this is just part and parcel of dealing with consequences.
Just like an SIA Licence, having a conviction won’t necessarily affect your application for a Personal Licence, however as previously mentioned, applicants must declare any previous conviction as part of the application.
Honesty is the best policy and all potential Personal Licence holders not only have a duty to declare any previous conviction to the licensing associations, but also to members of the public who they may eventually end up surviving alcohol to.
For a full list of relevant offences please refer to the Licensing Act 2003.
How to get a Personal Licence
Thinking of applying for a Personal Licence? The Personal Licence Training Course teaches individuals about the law and legal responsibility of being a licence holder and is part of the process for obtaining a Personal Alcohol Licence.
Once you have passed the Personal Licence Course, you will then be able to apply for a Personal Licence.
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