A personal licence is designed to ensure that anybody running or managing a business that sells or supplies alcohol will do so in a professional fashion. However, this qualification isn’t unconditional. Failure to abide by certain expectations and uphold legal responsibilities can result in your personal licence getting suspended or revoked for up to six months.
Getting a personal licence suspended or revoked can not only damage a business that relies purely on the sales of alcohol, but it can also affect the people within that drinking establishment. We’re talking 6 months’ worth of business lost and staff who rely on wages not being paid. Additionally, this can also damage your reputation with staff and customers.
Understanding the grounds for these actions is essential for any licence holder. This article explains the difference between suspension and revocation, what constitutes a “relevant offence,” and the legal process involved. For a full overview of your responsibilities and what a personal licence entails, make sure to check out our comprehensive personal licence guide.
Not only can this have a serious impact on business and profit, but also damage your reputation with staff and customers.
It can also cause unnecessary administration for the licence holder, as a new personal licence must be applied for.
Previously the power of suspending a personal licence was reserved to the criminal Courts who were supposed to deal with the future of the Personal Licence at the time of sentencing. However, local Licensing Authorities now have power to be able to suspend or forfeit a Personal Licence if a holder is convicted of a relevant offence.
The full list of these offences can be found in the Licensing Act 2003. These offences are wide and varied, ranging from handling stolen goods, to possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, and ensures that the licence holder is a responsible law aiding citizen.
According to official UK Government statistics, there were 723,800 personal licences in England and Wales as of 31 March 2018. That is a 5% increase of 35,600 compared with the previous year and highlights that more people are applying for personal licences.
A personal licence is valid for the lifetime of the holder unless surrendered, and is therefore vital that the licence holder follows the requirements expected of them as a responsible licence holder.
Remember, having a personal licence suspended or revoked not only affects the licence holder, but everyone else that relies on that licence also.
Protect Your Licence, Protect Your Career
The best way to avoid suspension or revocation is to operate professionally and uphold the four licensing objectives at all times. This knowledge is the foundation of the APLH training course.
If you’re ready to get qualified, book your APLH course today. Understanding your responsibilities from day one is the best way to build a long and successful career in the licensed trade.
