When to Inform the Licensing Authority of Changes to a Personal Licence

Simon Francis
Nov 18
4 min read

When to Inform the Licensing Authority of Changes to a Personal Licence? If you hold a personal licence under the Licensing Act 2003 (England & Wales) you have ongoing obligations even after the licence has been granted. It’s not just a “set and forget” document. Here are the key areas you should keep updated:

1. Change of name or address

Most local licensing authorities state that you must notify them in writing (or via a specified form) “as soon as reasonably practicable” (or words to that effect) if your name or address changes. For example: with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council the requirement is:
“If you change your name or address – You must, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the Licensing Office of this change.” Dudley Council
Another example: with North Warwickshire Borough Council the wording is:
“It is the responsibility of the personal licence holder to notify the licensing authority in writing as soon as possible of any changes to their personal details, if they move address …” North Warwickshire Borough Council
Typically, you’ll need to submit a change of details form, pay a small administrative fee (often around £10.50) and return both parts of the licence (badge and paper counterpart) if required.
Note: even if you move out of the issuing authority’s area, the original authority remains responsible for your licence.

2. Loss, theft, damage of the personal licence

If your personal licence is lost or stolen, you should inform the issuing licensing authority and apply for a replacement. This is often treated similarly to a change of address/name (i.e., form + fee).
If you fail to replace a lost licence, you may be unable to confirm your entitlement at a premises or for a designated premises supervisor (DPS) role.

3. Convictions for relevant or foreign offences

Under section 132A of the Licensing Act 2003 a licence-holder must inform the licensing authority of any new conviction for a "relevant offence" (or foreign equivalent) while the licence is in force.
Failure to report such a conviction is itself an offence. The authority may then take action against the licence (see “Actions & penalties” below).

4. Other changes: Right to work in the UK etc

From 6 April 2017 the law added the requirement that a personal licence holder must be entitled to work in the UK. If that entitlement changes (e.g., you lose your right to work) the authority must be informed.

Fines, Penalties and Actions

What happens if you fail to inform the licensing authority of changes, or if you provide false information?

Administrative fees & licence amendment

Change of name or address applications usually come with a small fee (commonly around £10.50).
If you continue without updating the details, your licence might not reflect your correct identity or address – potentially complicating checks at a premises.

Enforcement action for unreported convictions

If you’re convicted of a “relevant offence” (or foreign equivalent) and fail to notify the authority, the issuing authority may take action under section 132A Licensing Act 2003.
Possible outcomes: suspension (up to 6 months) or revocation of the personal licence.
You will be given notice and an opportunity to make representations (commonly 28 days) before the authority refers the matter to a licensing sub-committee.

Criminal offence for failure to notify

Under various local authority pages the wording is “required to notify … in writing” and failure may amount to a criminal offence (convertible to prosecution). Example: Cheshire West & Chester’s website:
“It is important to remember that you are required to notify us in writing if any of your details change, for example change of name or address and any relevant convictions.” Cheshire West and Chester Council
Although many local authority pages do not specify an automatic fixed-penalty fine for failing to notify a name/address change, the obligation is clear; failure to comply could lead to prosecution.

Practical consequences at the premises

If a personal licence holder cannot produce a valid licence that correctly shows their name and address (or if it is not updated), there may be issues for the premises: the DPS in the case of a premises selling alcohol must hold a valid personal licence.
Errors or mismatches could cause delays or complications during inspections, challenge by police or trading standards, or even question the validity of the person’s authorisation to sell/supply alcohol.

Key Take-aways for Licence Holders of When to Inform the Licensing Authority of Changes to a Personal Licence

After your personal licence is granted you don’t stop having responsibilities.
Whenever you change your name or address, you should inform the issuing licensing authority as soon as reasonably practicable. Don’t wait for annual renewal (in fact, there is no renewal requirement now) – update promptly.
Keep your personal licence safe, ensure you return the original if required when doing a change of details.
If you are convicted of a relevant offence, notify promptly – delays may lead to suspension/revocation of the licence.
Maintain proof of your right to work in the UK if that changes.
Ensure the correct authority (the one that issued the licence) is notified — even if you move house to another area.
From a training perspective (given you deliver the “Drug Awareness for Staff Working on a Licensed Premises” course) this topic is relevant for staff to know: a wrongly updated or invalid personal licence could cause regulatory / legal risks.

For expert support with licence applications, variations, or compliance, speak to our team of professional licensing consultants today. Contact our Licensing Professionals