Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) Explained. If your business sells alcohol, you’re legally required to have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) named on your premises licence. But what exactly does that mean — and why is it so important? In this post, we’ll explain the role of the DPS, their legal responsibilities, and how Licensing Professionals can help you stay compliant. We’ve also included a short video to make it even easier to understand.

Running a licensed premises means understanding who can legally enter your venue and under what authority. Confusion in this area can lead to offences, enforcement action, or licence reviews.

If you already hold a premises licence but need to change how your business operates, you may need to apply for a variation. However, many operators are unsure whether their changes require a Minor Variation or a Full (Major) Variation—and getting this wrong can lead to delays, refusals, or even enforcement action.

Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZs) are one of the most important — and often misunderstood — aspects of licensing law for pubs, bars, restaurants, takeaways, and late-night venues. If your premises is located within a CIZ, the way your application is assessed will be fundamentally different.