Personal Licence (APLH).
Exam same day · licence for life.
One day, exam included, and you hold the qualification for a personal licence: the licence behind every alcohol sale in England and Wales. The APLH covers the Licensing Act, the four licensing objectives, your duties as a licence holder and the situations where you must refuse a sale. Every licensed premises needs personal licence holders to trade, which makes this the fastest qualification-to-payrise ratio in hospitality. Once granted by your council, the licence lasts for life.
Bartender average (Indeed, May 2026); the licence is what moves you past it. Supervisor and duty-manager roles list the personal licence as a requirement, and every premises must have holders to trade.
A multiple-choice exam sat at the end of the course day. Results are quick, and retake support is included.
- » Aged 18 or over
- » ID for the exam
- » After passing you apply to your local council with a basic DBS check; we show you how
- » Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), the qualification the council requires
- » Ready to apply for your personal licence, which lasts for life
- » Eligible to be named Designated Premises Supervisor once licensed
Jobcentre Plus support accepted where eligible. Employers book on invoice. Ask the adviser what applies to you before you pay.
Pay in full, split in three (first payment books your seat), or business invoice for 2+ seats. Full terms at checkout.
“One day, exam done before home time, licence from the council five weeks later. DPS within the year.”
“Our group put six staff through in one booking. Rota flexibility transformed overnight.”
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The course and exam give you the qualification. You then apply to your local council with a basic DBS check and the council's fee. Start to finish is usually 3 to 6 weeks.
Scotland uses the SCPLH instead. Ask the adviser and we will point you at the right course.
The Designated Premises Supervisor is the named licence holder responsible for a venue's alcohol sales. Every licensed premises has exactly one, and you must hold a personal licence to be named.