Your Essential Guide to How to Get a Liquor License in the UK

Thinking about selling or serving booze in the UK? It’s a bit more involved than just stocking up. You’ll need to get your head around the licensing rules, and honestly, it can seem a bit daunting at first. But don’t worry, we’re here to break down how to get a liquor license so you can get your business up and running legally. Whether you’re planning a new pub, a food truck, or even just a pop-up event, understanding the process is key.

Key Takeaways

• You absolutely need an alcohol licence if you plan to sell or supply any alcoholic drinks in the UK.

• There are two main types of licences: a Premises Licence for your location and a Personal Licence for an individual responsible for authorising sales.

• Once granted, both Premises and Personal Licences don’t expire, unless they’re revoked or surrendered.

• Getting a Personal Licence involves a qualification, a criminal record check, and a fee, which is pretty standard across the UK.

• The cost for a Premises Licence varies quite a bit, mainly depending on the rateable value of your business property.

Understanding Your Licence Needs

Right, let’s get this sorted. If you’re planning to sell booze from your food truck or mobile bar, you’ll need the right paperwork. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, but you do need to know what’s what. Think of it like this: you need a licence for the place you’re selling from, and sometimes, you need one for you as the person in charge.

What is a Premises Licence?

This licence is all about the location where you’ll be selling alcohol. For a mobile setup like a food truck, your vehicle is considered your ‘premises’. This licence allows you to sell alcohol at that specific location. It covers things like your opening hours, how you’ll stop crime and disorder, and how you’ll keep things safe for everyone.

• Covers your vehicle as a licensed spot.

• Details your operating hours for alcohol sales.

• Outlines how you’ll manage safety and prevent trouble.

What is a Personal Licence?

This licence is about you. It shows you’re qualified and responsible enough to sell alcohol. You need a Personal Licence if you’re going to be the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for your business, or if you’re authorising others to sell alcohol. It means you’ve passed a basic test on licensing laws.

• Proves you know the rules about selling alcohol.

• Lets you be the main person responsible (DPS).

• Needed if you’re authorising alcohol sales.

Do I Need Both Licences?

Generally, yes, especially if you’re running the show yourself. Your food truck (the premises) will need a Premises Licence. And if you’re the one in charge of authorising alcohol sales, you’ll need a Personal Licence too. The Personal Licence holder is often the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) named on the Premises Licence.

Think of it like driving: the car needs to be roadworthy (Premises Licence), and you need a driving licence to be behind the wheel (Personal Licence).

For mobile catering, your vehicle is your premises. You’ll need to detail its layout, including entry/exit points and where alcohol will be stored and served, on your application. Make sure it’s safe and secure.

The key is that the Premises Licence is tied to your vehicle, while the Personal Licence is yours to keep, allowing you to supervise alcohol sales across different licensed premises.

Applying for a Personal Licence

So, you want to sell alcohol from your mobile catering unit? Brilliant! To do that legally, you’ll likely need a Personal Licence. Think of it as your individual ticket to sell booze, no matter where your van or stall pops up. It shows you know your stuff about licensing laws.

Essential Requirements for a Personal Licence

Before you even think about filling out forms, make sure you tick these boxes:

• You must be 18 or over. No exceptions here, sorry!

• Right to work in the UK. You’ll need to prove this, usually with a passport or Home Office share code.

• No recent licence revocations. If you’ve had a personal licence taken away in the last five years, you’re probably out of luck for now.

• A clean criminal record (mostly). We’ll get to the DBS check in a sec.

Gathering Your Supporting Documents

This is where the legwork comes in. You can’t just ask for a licence; you need to show you’re serious and qualified. The key is getting an accredited qualification first. This proves you understand the law and your responsibilities.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Accredited Qualification: You’ll need to pass a course like the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders. Plenty of places offer these online or in person. Find a provider on the GOV.UK website.

2. Basic Disclosure (DBS) Check: This checks your criminal record. You can apply for this online. Make sure it’s issued no more than a month before you submit your licence application.

3. Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photos on photographic paper. Get someone professional – like a solicitor, teacher, or even a police officer – to write ‘true likeness’ on the back of one photo.

4. Proof of Right to Work: Your passport or other valid documentation.

Applying for a personal licence means you’re taking responsibility. It’s about making sure alcohol is sold safely and legally, protecting both your customers and your business.

Submitting Your Personal Licence Application

Once you’ve got all your documents sorted, it’s time to apply. You’ll send your application form and all the supporting bits to the licensing authority in the council area where you live. Many councils let you apply online, which is usually the quickest way. The standard fee for a personal licence application is £37. This fee is non-refundable, so double-check everything before you hit submit!

What happens next? If you have unspent convictions for certain offences, the police will be notified. They then have 14 days to object if they believe granting you the licence would undermine crime prevention. If there are no objections, your licence should be granted. If there is an objection, a hearing might be held to decide. You can find more details on applying for a personal licence on the government website.

Applying for a Premises Licence

Preparing Your Premises Licence Application

Right, you’ve got your Personal Licence sorted, or you’re getting there. Now, let’s talk about the place itself – your mobile catering van, your pop-up bar, whatever it is. This is where the Premises Licence comes in. It’s basically permission for that specific spot to sell alcohol.

You’ll need to get this from your local council.

Here’s what you need to get ready:

• The Application Form: You’ll fill this out with all the details about your business and what you want to do. Think opening hours, what you’ll sell (alcohol, food, music?), and who’s in charge.

• Plans of Your Premises: This is super important for mobile catering. You need to show a clear drawing of your van or pitch. Mark out the boundaries, where people can get in and out (especially emergency exits), where you’ll serve drinks, and where customers can drink them. If you have a specific pitch, draw that.

• Operating Schedule: This is your plan for running things safely and responsibly. It covers how you’ll stick to the four licensing objectives: stopping crime, keeping people safe, avoiding noise complaints, and protecting kids.

• Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) Details: If you’re selling alcohol, you must name a DPS. This person needs a Personal Licence and has to agree to be named. For a mobile unit, this is often you, the owner/operator.

Understanding Operating Schedules

Think of your operating schedule as your promise to the council and the public. It’s not just a formality; it’s your roadmap for responsible trading. For mobile caterers, this means being extra clear about how you’ll manage things on the go.

Your schedule needs to show how you’ll promote these four key things:

1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder: How will you stop trouble? Think about security, managing queues, and dealing with intoxication.

2. Public Safety: How will you keep customers and staff safe? This includes fire safety, first aid, and managing crowds, especially in a potentially confined space like a van.

3. Prevention of Public Nuisance: How will you avoid annoying the neighbours? For mobile units, this is mainly about noise (music, loud customers) and rubbish disposal. Where will you park up to minimise disruption?

4. Protection of Children from Harm: How will you make sure no underage people get served alcohol? This involves checking IDs carefully.

For mobile caterers, your operating schedule is your chance to show you’ve thought through the unique challenges of trading from a temporary location. Be specific about your setup and how you’ll manage risks on different sites.

Nominating a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

If your Premises Licence includes the sale of alcohol, you must nominate a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). This person is the main point of contact for the police and the council regarding your licence. They’re responsible for the day-to-day running of the licensed activities.

• Who can be a DPS? They must hold a Personal Licence.

• Consent is key: The person you nominate must agree to take on the role.

• Your mobile unit: Often, you’ll be the DPS yourself. If you have a manager, they might be the one.

• Changing your DPS: If your DPS leaves or changes, you’ll need to apply to change this on your licence. It’s a separate process, so don’t delay.

The DPS is the key person responsible for alcohol sales on your premises.

Navigating the Application Process

So, you’ve got your paperwork sorted and you’re ready to apply. What happens next? It’s not just a case of hitting ‘send’ and waiting. There are a few steps to keep things moving smoothly, especially for us mobile caterers.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you’ve submitted your application, there’s a waiting game, but it’s an important one. For a premises licence, you’ll need to advertise your application. This means putting up a notice on your premises (a blue one, usually A4 size) for 28 days. You also need to put a notice in your local paper. This gives people a chance to see what you’re planning. For mobile catering, this might mean displaying the notice on your vehicle or at your usual operating base.

This 28-day period is a consultation. During this time, ‘responsible authorities’ (like the police or fire service) and ‘interested parties’ (like local residents) can make comments or objections. If no one objects, and your application is in order, the licence is usually granted. Simple as that!

The Role of Police Checks

Don’t be surprised if the police have a look at your application. They’re one of the ‘responsible authorities’ and their main concern is the ‘licensing objectives’. These are things like preventing crime and disorder, public safety, and preventing public nuisance. For us mobile caterers, they might be checking things like your proposed operating hours and whether you’ll be causing issues in certain areas. It’s all about making sure your business won’t cause problems for the local community. Being upfront about your plans helps a lot here.

Understanding Potential Objections

Objections can happen, and it’s good to be prepared. Most objections are about the licensing objectives. For example, if you’re planning to trade late at night in a quiet residential area, neighbours might object due to noise concerns. Or if your pitch is near a school, there might be concerns about public safety. If an objection is made and not withdrawn, your application will go to a hearing. This is where a licensing committee will listen to both sides and make a decision. It’s always best to try and sort out any potential issues before they become formal objections. Talking to local residents or community groups beforehand can make a big difference. You can find more details on the application process.

Remember, a well-prepared application that considers the local area and potential issues is much more likely to be approved without a hitch. Think about your operating schedule and how it fits in with your surroundings.

Costs Associated with Licences

Right, let’s talk money. Getting your licences sorted isn’t free, but knowing the costs upfront helps you budget. For mobile caterers, these fees can seem a bit steep, but think of it as an investment in a legit business. It’s all about keeping things legal and avoiding nasty fines.

Personal Licence Application Fees

Getting your Personal Licence is usually the first step. It’s a one-off cost, but you’ll need to factor in a few things:

• Application Fee: This goes to your local council. It’s typically around £37.

• Accredited Qualification: You need to pass a course. Expect to pay between £100 and £200 for this. Shop around for deals!

• Criminal Record Check (DBS): This checks your background. It costs about £25.

So, for the Personal Licence itself, you’re looking at roughly £160-£260. Not too bad when you consider it’s for your own licence to sell alcohol.

Premises Licence Fee Structure

This is where the costs can really vary, as it depends on your business’s ‘rateable value’. This is basically what the Valuation Office Agency thinks your property is worth. For mobile caterers, this might be less of an issue if you don’t have a fixed base, but if you do, or if your van is assessed, it matters.

Here’s a rough idea of the application fees:

Remember, these are just the application fees. You’ll also have annual fees to keep the licence active. These are lower but still need budgeting for.

For mobile units, the rateable value might be tricky. Check with your local council how they assess this for vehicles. Sometimes, it’s based on your operating base, or they might have a specific category.

Costs in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Things change a bit if you’re operating in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

• Scotland: The fees are generally similar to England and Wales, but it’s always best to check with the specific Scottish council you’ll be dealing with.

• Northern Ireland: This is where it gets more complex. The application process is more involved, and you might need to factor in costs for legal advice or solicitors, especially if you’re applying for a full liquor licence. You’ll also need to advertise your intention to apply, which can add newspaper costs.

Always check the specific fees with the local council where you plan to operate. It’s the only way to get the most accurate figures for your situation.

Licensing Across the UK

Right then, let’s talk about how getting a licence to sell booze shakes out across the UK. It’s not exactly the same everywhere, so you’ve got to know the score for where you’re operating. For us mobile caterers, this means checking the rules for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Licensing in England and Wales

This is where the main Licensing Act 2003 kicks in. You’ll need a Personal Licence if you’re selling alcohol, and a Premises Licence for the spot where you’re selling it from. For a food truck, the ‘premises’ is usually your vehicle, but it can get a bit more complex if you’re trading at different sites regularly. The key is that if you’re supplying alcohol, you need the right paperwork.

• Personal Licence: You need this to sell alcohol yourself or authorise sales. You’ll need a qualification and a basic criminal record check.

• Premises Licence: This covers the actual location. For a mobile unit, you might need to look into specific arrangements or temporary event notices depending on where and how often you’re trading.

Licensing in Scotland

Scotland’s got its own Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. The process is pretty similar to England and Wales, but there are some differences.

• Personal Licence: You’ll need a Scottish qualification, like the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH).

• Premises Licence: This covers your business premises. Again, for mobile operations, check with your local council.

• Occasional Licence: This is a bit different. In Scotland, it’s for unlicensed premises, which might be useful if you’re setting up at a private event. It’s not quite the same as the Northern Ireland version.

Licensing in Northern Ireland

Things are quite different here. Northern Ireland doesn’t have Personal Licences.

• Liquor Licence: This is what you need if you plan to sell alcohol on a permanent basis. It’s tied to your establishment.

• Occasional Licence: This is for businesses that already have a Liquor Licence but want to sell alcohol away from their usual spot. Think festivals or markets. This licence is usually valid for up to six days, making it handy for short events. You’ll need to get this from the local council, which serves as the relevant licensing authority.

No matter where you are, always check with the local council. They’re the ones who issue the licences and can give you the most up-to-date advice for your specific situation. It’s better to ask them first than to get caught out later!

So, there you have it!

Getting a liquor licence might seem like a bit of a maze at first, but hopefully, this guide has made it a lot clearer. Remember, it’s all about making sure you’re following the rules and serving responsibly. Take your time, get your paperwork sorted, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Once that licence is in your hand, you’re one step closer to serving up those drinks legally and with confidence. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a licence to sell a pint?

Yep, absolutely! If you’re planning to sell or even just serve alcoholic drinks in the UK, you’re legally required to have the right licence. Not having one can land you in hot water with hefty fines, or even shut down your business. It’s all about making sure booze is sold responsibly and safely.

What’s the difference between a Premises Licence and a Personal Licence?

Think of it like this: a Premises Licence is for your actual location – your food truck, your cafe, whatever it is. It says that *this place* is allowed to sell alcohol. A Personal Licence, on the other hand, is for *you* (or another individual). It means you’re qualified and allowed to authorise the sale of alcohol. You’ll often need both if you’re selling booze.

How much does it all cost?

It varies a bit, but getting a Personal Licence usually involves a set fee for the application, plus the cost of a training course and a criminal record check. For a Premises Licence, the cost depends on the ‘rateable value’ of your business premises – basically, how much it’s worth. It’s not cheap, but it’s a necessary investment.

Do I need to renew my licence?

Good news here! Once you’ve got your Personal Licence and Premises Licence, they generally don’t need renewing. They’re valid indefinitely, unless something goes wrong and the licence is taken away or suspended. So, no yearly paperwork hassle for renewals!

What if I only want to sell alcohol for a short event?

If you’re only planning to sell alcohol for a one-off event, like a festival or a special market day, you might be able to get a Temporary Events Notice (TEN). This is a simpler way to get permission for short-term events, but there are limits on how many you can have and how many people can attend.

Are the rules the same everywhere in the UK?

Not quite! While the general idea of needing licences is the same, the specific rules and application processes can be a bit different in England and Wales compared to Scotland and Northern Ireland. It’s super important to check the exact requirements for the area where your business will be based.