How to Get a Personal Alcohol Licence in the UK: A Guide for Event Organisers

If you’re an event organiser then at some point you’ll find yourself responsible for the sale of alcohol. In that situation a valid personal alcohol licence is not just a legal necessity—it’s a reflection of your knowledge in running professional and successful events. Let’s break down why a personal licence matters and how to get one.

Why Do You Need a Personal Alcohol Licence?

Selling alcohol at events in the UK requires more than just a bar; it requires compliance with licensing laws. A personal licence is crucial because it:

• Ensures you understand the legal requirements for selling alcohol 
• Demonstrates that you’re committed to running events responsibly
• Helps venues and local authorities trust that your event will operate smoothly and lawfully
• Allows you to run a limited number of events on a TENS (temporary events notice) at an unlicensed premises. 

For grassroots event organisers this kind of knowledge can make all the difference when building professional networks.

How to Get a Personal Alcohol Licence

You’ll be please to know that applying for a personal alcohol licence in the UK is a pretty straightforward process:

Complete a Training Course

You’ll need to complete an accredited course, such as the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH). Depending on the provider, you can do some of these courses online, others may be a one day in person event, so choose the course that is a good fit for you. You will learn all the key responsibilities around alcohol sales and public safety, ensuring you understand the law and your duties. The training you receive will be followed by a test.

You can find a list of approved courses here.

Apply to Your Local Council

Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll then submit your application to your local council to be reviewed. You’ll need to provide proof that you have passed your course, a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and some identification.

Pay the Fee

There’s a small fee for the application, which varies slightly by council.

Receive Your Licence

After approval, your personal licence will be valid indefinitely (so pick a good mugshot!). However you must update your details if your address changes.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Getting your personal alcohol licence is just one way to level up as an event organiser. It shows you’re serious about what you do, which is creating memorable, well-run events! When you’re ready to bring your event to life, Good Show is here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s make grassroots events thrive together. You can learn more about our profit share model HERE.

Have questions or want to learn more? Take a look at our other free resources dedicated to event management and promotion. Let's make every show a Good Show! 

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