Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) (QCF)

The law requires that alcohol sales on licensed premises are to be made or authorised by a personal licence holder.

Individuals applying for a personal licence must hold an accredited licensing qualification such as the HABC Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), as this proves they can sell alcohol both legally and responsibly.

This qualification is accredited by both Ofqual and the Secretary of State at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and has been designed to meet the statutory requirements of the Licensing Act 2003. Futhermore, whilst comprehensively covering the full framework as set down by the Government, the HABC PLH qualification is extremely straight-forward, user friendly and free from unnecessary jargon. It also provides excellent value for money without compromising on quality.

The aim of the HABC PLH qualification is to provide candidates with essential knowledge of the legal framework surrounding the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. This includes key information on the responsibilities of personal licence holders, duties of the Designated Premises Supervisor, the role of licensing authorities and police powers regarding licensed premises.

Achieving of the qualification forms an essential part of the personal licence application and will enable those selling or authorising alcohol sales to operate both legally and responsibly.

Duration: 1 Day

Venue: Local, Nationwide & In-Company

Awarding Body: Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC)

Detailed Course Fact Sheet

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How do I get a Personal Licence to sell alcohol?

How do I attain a Personal Licence to sell alcohol in the UK? A personal Licence is granted to an individual by his/her local licensing authority. The person is then licensed to sell or supply alcohol from a licensed premise, which is via a Premise Licence.

With the UK there are a number of steps to follow in order to attained a personal licence to sell alcohol.

1: Complete a training programme and achieve a licencing qualification (Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders). (APLH);

2: Apply for a CRB check;

3: Submit your Personal Licence application, CRB Basic Disclosure form, APLH certificate and fee to your local licensing authority.

4. Your Personal Licence application will then be either granted or refused by your local licensing authority. Once granted, a personal licence is valid for ten years.

There are currently two relevant licensing qualifications within the UK.

  • Award in Personal Licence Holders (APLH) (England & Wales)
  • Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) (Scotland)

The Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), formerly known as the National Certificate for personal Licence Holders (NCPLH), is a mandatory qualification in England and Wales for Personal Licence Holders.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, an individual wishing to apply for a Personal Licence to sell alcohol in the UK must first complete this award.

The Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) is the Scottish equivalent of the APLH, and is mandatory qualification in Scotland for Personal Licence Holders and applicants.  

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