Table of Content

    Share

    Icon awesome-facebook-f
    Vector (2)
    insta
    in
    Untitled design (11)

    Published:

    |

    Updated:

    |

    2 Min Read

    5 Things You Need To Know About The Licensing Act 2003

    Table of Content

      Share

      Icon awesome-facebook-f
      Vector (2)
      insta
      in

      The Licensing Act 2003 is at the core of the Personal License qualification. It lays out the rules both individuals and premises to need to follow to carry out a licensable activities.

      Here are the top five things you need to know about The Licensing Act 2003.

      1. What is The Licensing Act 2003?

      On the 24th November 2005, the Licensing Act of 2003 came fully in to effect. It replaced the old Licensing Act of 1964. For personal license applicants the Licensing Act lays down the law for the sale and purchase of alcohol in a variety of circumstance.

      2. What were the big changes?

      The Licensing Act 2003 brought in a large number of changes in relation to the sale of alcohol, entertainment and the ability to sell hot food or hot drinks after 11PM. A major change is that the ability to issue a license was taken away from the Justice Of The Peace. It is now the responsibility of the council.

      3. There are four kinds of license under The Licensing Act 2003

      Personal Licenses These allow the holder to sell of authorise the sale of alcohol.

      Premises Licenses These are given to the venue itself with conditions to abide by.

      Club Premises Certificates CPC’s are granted to venues where qualifying criteria are met and sale of alcohol takes place. However in these situations, it’s only for private clubs where alcohol is only sold to members.

      T.E.N’s An abbreviation for ‘Temporary Event Notice’ which allows the sale of alcohol (and other licensable activities) on a temporary basis.

      4. Licensing Objectives

      The Licensing Act 2003 has set four licensing objectives, all of which are of equal importance. Every aspect of licensing will involve at least one if not all of these objectives, all Licensed Premises will have to show how they will or promoting these 4 objectives.

      Prevention of Crime and Disorder

      Public Safety

      Prevention of Public Nuisance

      Protection of Children from Harm

      5. What are Licensable Activities?

      Under the Licensing act 2003, there are 4 noted Licensable Activities, that can be authorised under a Premises License, Club Premises Certificate or Temporary Event Notice.

      Retail Sale Of Alcohol

      Supply of Alcohol on Club Premises

      Regulated Entertainment

      Late Night Refreshment

      How to get a Personal Licence

      Thinking of applying for a Personal Licence? The Personal Licence Training Course teaches individuals about the law and legal responsibility of being a licence holder and is part of the process for obtaining a Personal Alcohol Licence.

      Once you have passed the Personal Licence Course, you will then be able to apply for a Personal Licence.

      Looking for jobs?

      Are you looking for a job? Find exciting opportunities on the GuardPass app. All you need to do is enter your area or your preferred job title to find your next big break!

      The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.

      For more tips, the latest security news and exciting prize draw campaigns,  sign up above to receive emails and stay updated.

      Summary
      Article Name
      5 Things You Need To Know About The Licensing Act 2003
      Description
      What is the Licensing Act 2003 and how does it affect Personal Licence holders?

      This blog is for informational purposes only. Please verify details independently before making decisions. Get Licensed is not liable for any actions based on this content.


      By Carl Randle

      Head Of Content

      Carl Randle is a dynamic video presenter and content creator with extensive experience in social scripting, producing, presenting, and editing engaging videos. As the Head of Content at Get Licensed, Carl manages all online content, including creating, producing, and presenting videos across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. He has also interviewed prominent figures in the security industry for Get Licensedโ€™s YouTube channel and has produced educational content on personal safety and self-defence.

      book-course

      Relevant Topics

      The Retail Crime Epidemic: Essential Knowledge for UK Retail Security Professionals

      Get Training | July 15, 2025

      CPIW Qualification: How Employers Should Prepare for Martynโ€™s Law Compliance

      Compliance | June 25, 2025

      SIA Top-Up Training and First Aid Course 2025 Updates: Whatโ€™s Included?

      Get Training | June 5, 2025