How to get a Pub Licence

How to get a Pub Licence

If you are looking to get into the Service Industry, you have likely heard the term “Pub Licence” before.

But, you may have asked yourself questions such as;

What exactly is a Pub Licence and its requirements?

How do you apply for a Pub Licence?

How does it differ from a Personal Licence?

Hold on, because we are about to answer all of your Pub Licensing questions.

Get Access To A FREE APLH Personal Licence Course – Limited Time Only

What is a Pub Licence?

First things first – a Pub Licence is a Premises Licence. 

A Premises Licence or Pub Licence is what an establishment must have to operate legally, in terms of selling alcoholic beverages to consumers regularly. 

A licence will also be required if you plan to sell hot food and drink after 11PM or provide public entertainment.

Once you apply and successfully obtain the details of your licence summary, you must display your Pub Licence in an area where it can easily be seen by the customers in your establishment (in this case, customers in your pub). 

What are the requirements to obtain a Pub Licence? 

You must be over the age of 18 to apply for a Pub Licence in the United Kingdom.

In addition to being 18, you must be a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) when you apply for your Pub Licence. To be a DPS, you must hold a valid Personal Licence (APLH).

How do you apply for a Pub Licence?

When applying for a Pub Licence, you must have some specific documents available for your application to be successful.

These documents include;

– Your details

– Details of the DPS

– A detailed plan of the premises 

– An operating schedule (for example, the hours you plan to sell alcohol)

In addition to your supporting documents, you will be required to pay a fee to obtain your Pub Licence. 

Pub Licence application fees range from £100 to £1905, depending on the rateable value of the property that you are wanting to licence.

If your premises doesn’t have rateable value, it will automatically go into the lowest fee category. 

You must submit all applications and application fees to your applicable council.

How does a Pub Licence differ from a Personal Licence?

The terms “Pub Licence” and “Personal Licence” often get used when talking about the Service Industry – but what exactly is the difference between the two?

To best describe it;

A Personal Licence is something that you hold, personally. A Personal Licence allows you to authorise the sale of alcohol while ensuring that other necessary requirements are met.

A Pub Licence (known as a Premises Licence), allows licenced activities to take place at a venue. These activities could include; the sale of alcohol, entertainment, or the sale of hot food and drink after 11PM. 

Pub Licence Quick Facts and Tips

If you are buying out a venue that already has a Pub Licence, you can transfer that existing licence to your name by applying to transfer the licence. 

If you are not currently the DPS and would like the responsibility to be transferred to you, you can apply for the DPS title to be transferred by your local council.

Don’t risk operating without a Pub licence, because you could be faced with some hefty fines.

Be safe and have fun.

Looking for jobs?

Are you looking for a job? Find exciting opportunities on the GuardPass app. All you need to do is enter your area or your preferred job title to find your next big break! 

The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store. 

For more tips, the latest security news and exciting prize draw campaigns,  sign up above to receive emails and stay updated.