How to Get a Liquor Licence in England and Wales (Without Losing Your Head)
So you want to sell alcohol legally—whether you’re running a bar, launching a retail shop, or planning a pop-up cocktail caravan. Great idea. But before the first pint is pulled, there’s one slightly less glamorous task: getting a liquor licence.
Don’t worry. We’ve broken it down into simple steps (with a splash of humour) and provided helpful links to premises-licensing.co.uk, where you can get professional support every step of the way.
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Step 1: Understand what licence you need
To sell alcohol legally in England and Wales, you usually need:
• A Premises Licence – for the location (pub, restaurant, shop, etc.)
• A Personal Licence – for the person in charge of alcohol sales
Together, they form your liquor-licensing dream team. Think Batman and Robin, but with more spreadsheets.
Learn more:
• What is a Premises Licence?
• Do I need a Personal Licence?
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Step 2: Apply for a Personal Licence
This licence gives someone (you, probably) the legal power to sell alcohol and act as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
To get one, you’ll need:
• Be 18+ and legally allowed to work in the UK
• Complete the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH)
➜ Book the APLH Course
• Pass a basic DBS check (criminal record check)
• Submit:
o Two passport photos
o Completed application and disclosure forms
o Proof of your right to work
Once you’ve got the certificate and paperwork, apply to your local council.
Or let someone do it for you:
➜ Apply for a Personal Licence
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Step 3: Apply for a Premises Licence
Next up: licensing your venue.
You’ll need:
• A completed premises licence application
• An operating schedule (e.g. alcohol sale hours, opening times)
• A detailed floor plan of the premises
• Consent form from your DPS (see above)
• Proof of your right to work in the UK
• Application fee (based on the rateable value of your property)
You must also:
• Display a blue notice outside the premises for 28 days
• Advertise in a local newspaper
• Notify all responsible authorities (police, fire, public health, etc.)
Sounds like a hassle? It can be—unless you get help:
➜ Apply for a Premises Licence
Need help drawing your premises plan?
➜ Premises Licence Plan Drawing Service
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Step 4: Wait for feedback (and possibly objections)
Once submitted, there’s a 28-day consultation period. If no one objects, the licence is granted automatically.
If someone does raise concerns (like noise or crime risk), your application might go to a licensing hearing.
Want help handling objections?
➜ Licensing Representation Support
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Step 5: Licence granted – now keep it legal
Once you’ve got your liquor licence:
• Display your Premises Licence Summary on-site
• Keep the full licence safe for inspections
• Pay your annual licence fee
• If you change your DPS, update the council ASAP
Need to transfer a licence or make changes?
➜ Licence Variations & Transfers
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Bonus: Temporary Events
Just doing a one-off festival or market stall with booze?
You might only need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
➜ Apply for a TEN
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TL;DR – Your Liquor Licence Checklist
Step Task Link
1 Identify licences needed Overview
2 Complete APLH training Book Course
3 Apply for Personal Licence Apply Now
4 Apply for Premises Licence Start Here
5 Post blue notice, notify authorities Included in Application Help
6 Wait 28 days and handle objections Support Available
7 Stay compliant and renew annually Licence Management
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Need Help?
If the whole process sounds like a paperwork jungle, you can get expert support at every stage from premises-licensing.co.uk. They handle the forms, plans, training, and council negotiations—so you can focus on the fun part: running your business.