Personal licence

A personal licence authorises a specified person to supply alcohol or allow the supply of alcohol at a premises which has a valid premises licence.

Personal licences are needed to supervise the sale of alcohol in any licensed premises, including pubs, off licences, restaurants and hotels. ‘Licensed premises’ include any premises allowed to sell alcohol under a premises licence. You don’t need a personal licence to sell alcohol under a temporary events notice.

Personal licences are not tied to specific venues. This means that a personal licence holder can authorise the sale of alcohol in any licensed venue in England and Wales.

How do I apply for this licence?

You must apply to the licensing authority for the area where you live, not the licensing authority in the area where you work.

Before you can apply for a new personal licence, you must attend a course to achieve the recognised licensing qualification. This is to ensure that licence holders are aware of licensing law, and the wider social responsibilities attached to the sale of alcohol.

Accredited personal licence qualification providers (PDF, 63KB)

Download an application form from gov.uk (external website). Return your completed application form to us, along with: 

Photographs for personal licence application form (PDF, 40KB)

Post your application form, supporting documents and application fee to:

Licensing Team
Denbighshire County Council
Caledfryn
Smithfield Road
Denbigh
Denbighshire
LL16 3RJ

You cannot apply online because this application requires you to submit original documents.

If you already have a personal licence and your circumstances change (e.g. change of name or address, criminal convictions), you must let us know in writing. You will be charged £10.50 to change your personal details.

How long is the licence valid for?

Personal Licences, once granted, do not expire, unless revoked.

How much does it cost?

It costs £37 to apply for a personal licence.

How can I pay?

Payment can be made by card over the phone to customer services (01824 706000). Payment by cheque or cash is only available at one of Denbighshire’s One Stop Shops. Please contact us for the appropriate reference number before attempting to pay. Failing to provide the appropriate reference number may delay your application.

More information

We recommend you read through our Statement of Licensing policy.

Statement of licensing policy (PDF, 796KB)