Understanding Alcohol Licensing in England and Wales: What Every Hospitality Worker Should Know

Understanding Alcohol Licensing in England and Wales:

Running or working in a bar, restaurant, or pub isn’t just about pouring the perfect pint or keeping customers happy — it’s also about understanding licensing laws and staying on the right side of them.

If you’ve ever wondered “What actually is a licence?” or “Who’s responsible if something goes wrong?”, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a new member of staff or managing a licensed premises, knowing how licensing works can help protect your job, your business, and your customers.

What Does “Licensing” Actually Mean?

When we talk about “licensing” in hospitality, we’re usually referring to the Licensing Act 2003 — the law that governs how alcohol, entertainment, and late-night refreshments are sold in England and Wales.

This Act was designed to make sure alcohol is sold responsibly, crime and disorder are prevented, and public safety is protected.

To put it simply:👉 A licence gives you legal permission to sell alcohol or run certain types of entertainment.

There are a few different types of licences, and understanding which one applies to your workplace is key.

Learn more: What is a Premises Licence? (link to your page or course module explaining premises licences)

The Four Main Licensing Objectives

Everything in licensing comes back to these four golden rules:

1. The prevention of crime and disorder

2. Public safety

3. The prevention of public nuisance

4. The protection of children from harm

Every decision made by a licensing authority — from granting new licences to reviewing existing ones — is guided by these objectives.

If your business or staff don’t act in line with them, you could face serious consequences, including licence suspension or even closure.

Tip: Our Personal Licence Training Course covers these objectives in detail to help you stay compliant.

Types of Alcohol Licences You Should Know About

1. The Premises Licence

This is what allows a business to sell alcohol, provide entertainment, or serve hot food and drinks late at night. It’s granted to a specific place, not a person. So if you run “The Fox & Hound Pub,” that address has the premises licence.

However, it is essential to note that a premises licence must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence.

Want to become a DPS? Check out our Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) course.

2. The Personal Licence

This one is all about the person — not the building.A personal licence allows you to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol anywhere that has a premises licence.

To get one, you’ll need to:

• Be 18 or over

• Have a recognised Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) qualification

• Pass a criminal record check (Basic DBS)

• Apply to your local council

It’s a small investment that can open doors for your career — from bar supervisor to DPS, and even into management roles.

Start your journey: Enrol in our Personal Licence Online Course.

3. Temporary Event Notices (TENs)

Hosting a one-off event? A TEN lets you sell alcohol or provide entertainment temporarily without a full premises licence.

They’re perfect for things like:

• Charity fundraisers

• Outdoor festivals

• Weddings or private parties

Just remember: there’s a limit to how many you can apply for each year, and you need to give enough notice (usually 10 working days).

You can learn how to apply correctly in our Guide to Temporary Event Notices.

4. Club Premises Certificate

If you’re running a members-only venue — like a social club, sports club, or working men’s club — you’ll need one of these.

Unlike a premises licence, a Club Premises Certificate doesn’t require a DPS, because alcohol sales are only made to club members and guests.

Why Licensing Matters — Even if You’re “Just Staff”

It’s easy to think licensing laws are only the boss’s problem. But that’s not true! Every member of staff serving alcohol has a legal responsibility to make sure sales are made safely and within the law.

Here’s why it matters:

• You could be personally fined for serving someone who’s drunk or underage.

• Your employer’s licence could be reviewed if staff break the rules.

• Your reputation in the industry could take a hit — and hospitality is a small world!

Simply put: if you serve it, you share the responsibility.

Build your confidence with our Responsible Alcohol Retailing Course.

Common Licensing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced staff can make slip-ups. Here are a few of the most common ones — and how to avoid them:

❌ Serving someone who’s already drunk

If a customer is clearly intoxicated, it’s illegal to serve them more alcohol. Learn how to spot the signs — slurred speech, unsteady walking, aggression — and know when to say “no.”

❌ Failing to check ID properly

Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 policies exist for a reason. Always check ID carefully — and only accept valid forms such as a passport, driving licence, or PASS-accredited card.

❌ Letting customers drink outside permitted hours

Once the clock strikes closing time, all alcohol sales must stop. Continuing to serve — even for “one last drink” — is a licensing offence.

❌ Ignoring licence conditions

Every premises licence comes with specific conditions, like noise limits, CCTV requirements, or door staff. Make sure all staff know what they are and stick to them.

Avoid these pitfalls with our Licensing Compliance for Staff online module.

How to Stay Compliant (and Confident)

Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of knowledge and teamwork, you can make sure your venue runs smoothly and legally.

Here are some quick tips:

✅ Know your licence — Read it! Make sure you understand the hours, conditions, and what’s permitted.

✅ Train your staff — Everyone who sells alcohol should receive regular training on age verification, intoxication, and licensing rules.

✅ Keep good records — Log incidents, refusals, and staff training. These can protect you in case of a licensing inspection.

✅ Display your licence summary — This should be visible to customers and enforcement officers at all times.

✅ Ask for help — If you’re unsure, contact your local licensing authority or take a refresher course.

Our Drug Awareness Training for Staff Working on Licensed Premises is a great refresher to keep your team compliant and alert.

The Role of Training in Licensing Compliance

Training isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it’s what keeps everyone safe and confident.

Courses like the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) or Drug Awareness for Staff Working on a Licensed Premises give staff the knowledge they need to make responsible decisions.

They cover real-life topics like:

• Recognising signs of intoxication or drug use

• Understanding your legal powers and responsibilities

• Dealing with conflict and refusing service safely

• Protecting your premises and licence

The more confident your team is, the smoother your operation runs — and the less likely you’ll run into trouble with enforcement officers.

Recommended course: Drug Awareness for Staff Working on a Licensed Premises.

What Happens if You Break Licensing Laws?

Let’s be honest: mistakes can happen. But some can have serious consequences.

If your premises breaches licensing laws, you could face:

• Hefty fines

• Licence suspension or revocation

• Court action for serious offences

• Negative publicity and reputational damage

Even one bad incident — like serving a drunk customer who later causes harm — can trigger a licence review by the council or police.

That’s why prevention through good training and awareness is so important.

Stay protected: Take our Refresher Licensing Awareness Course today.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Licensing in the UK

The hospitality industry is always evolving — and so are licensing challenges.

With the rise of home delivery, outdoor drinking areas, and changing nightlife habits, licensing authorities are focusing more on responsible management and staff education than ever before.

Staying up to date with licensing news and refresher courses helps your business adapt — and shows regulators that you take compliance seriously.

Keep an eye on our Blog for updates on UK licensing laws and best practice.

Final Thoughts

Licensing might not be the most exciting part of working in hospitality, but it’s one of the most important.

Understanding Alcohol Licensing in England and Wales protects your customers, your business, and your career. And with the right knowledge, it doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful.

So whether you’re just starting out behind the bar or running your own venue, take the time to learn how licensing works. It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself — and in your business.

If you’d like to learn more about licensing laws, personal licences, or drug awareness training for staff, check out our Online Licensing Courses — designed to make compliance clear, practical, and even a little bit fun!