If you’re working in hospitality, running a pub, bar, restaurant, or managing events, obtaining a Personal Licence Course Near Me is essential to legally sell or authorise the sale of alcohol. This blog post will guide you through everything from accreditation to cost, so you can confidently select a high-quality course that meets legal requirements and suits your needs.
Why You Need a Personal Licence Course
A personal licence is required under the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales for anyone who sells or authorises the sale of alcohol. Without completing a regulated qualification, you cannot become a personal licence holder. This training is recognised by local councils, the police, and licensing authorities. It equips you with crucial knowledge of licensing law, prevention of underage sales, record-keeping, responsibilities of the premises supervisor, and more.
Holding a licence not only ensures compliance but also enhances your credentials in the hospitality and retail sectors. If you’re searching for a Personal Licence Course Near Me, it’s an investment that adds both legitimacy and employability.
Step 1: Use Official & High-Trust Sources
When searching for a Personal Licence Course Near Me, start with high domain authority sites. These provide accurate, current legal and qualification information:
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The UK Government website has a list of accredited personal licence qualification providers under the Licensing Act.
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Highfield Qualifications provides the SCPLH with full details of what’s required and how the course works. Using these sites helps you avoid unaccredited providers or outdated information.
Step 2: Ensure Accreditation & Legitimacy
An accredited course is non-negotiable. The course must be approved by one of the recognised awarding bodies under the Licensing Act 2003. Some of the major ones are:
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Highfield Qualifications – offers the Level 2 APLH and is listed among accredited providers on GOV.UK.
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CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) – another awarding body in the list of accredited providers.
When looking at “Personal Licence Course Near Me”, check the provider’s accreditation status, qualification number, and whether the awarding body appears on the official GOV.UK list.
Step 3: Compare Course Content & Delivery Modes
A good “Personal Licence Course Near Me” should cover all essential topics and offer flexible delivery:
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Full syllabus: licensing objectives (public safety, crime prevention, protection of children etc.), licensing authority functions, offences, compliance and enforcement.
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Exam prep: mock tests, revision materials.
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Different modes: in-person classroom, online eLearning, virtual tuition with remote invigilation. For example, Highfield offers online modular content with e-assessment.
If you prefer local, in-person training, you’ll want to check the distance and schedule. If you prefer flexibility, an online or blended “Personal Licence Training” may suit you better.
Step 4: Location, Timing & Flexibility
When you search “Personal Licence Course Near Me”, these criteria matter:
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Proximity: Choose a venue that you can reach comfortably, considering factors such as public transportation, parking, and travel costs.
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Schedule: Are courses offered only on weekdays, evenings, or weekends? Is there a one-day intensive or spread over multiple sessions?
Online vs physical: Online courses let you study at your own pace; ensure the online exam or invigilation is accepted by your local licensing authority. Providers like GlobeUs Training offer virtual courses with online official exams.
Step 5: Price & What’s Included
Prices vary significantly across providers. When comparing, look at what is included in the cost of your Personal Licence Course Near Me:
Included Feature | Why It Matters |
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Exam fees, certificate | Some providers charge extra for the exam, certificate printing, or issuing. |
Study materials/handbook / mock exam | Helps in preparation; boosts confidence. |
Application assistance to the local council | Some offer services to help you with licence application paperwork. |
Resits/flexibility | If you fail the first time, what’s the policy? |
Step 6: Trainer’s Credentials & Reviews
A trainer with good experience and clear communication is a major plus. Things to check:
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Do they have experience in licensing law, hospitality, or local authority consultations?
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Do they use real-life examples to teach?
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Are there reviews or testimonials from people who took “Personal Licence Training”?
Step 7: Understand the Exam & Certification
Understanding the assessment and what is required is crucial when you enroll in a Personal Licence Course Near Me:
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The Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) is the qualification you’ll obtain.
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Exam format: Usually 40 multiple-choice questions, a pass mark commonly 28 correct. Check whether the exam is remote/invigilated or in person.
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Time & validity: The course usually takes a few hours (4-5 hours for many online providers) plus an exam.
Step 8: After Course – Application Support
Once you pass the exam, you’ll apply for the personal licence through your local council. As part of that:
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You’ll need the SCPLH certificate from an accredited provider.
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Other paperwork: proof of identity, criminal record check (DBS), right to work, etc.
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Some providers offer application bundles to handle this on your behalf. For example, GlobeUs offers Personal Licence Course (E-Learning) & Application Service
Checklist: How to Find the Right Personal Licence Course Near Me
When you are ready to decide, use this checklist to compare providers:
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Is the course accredited (Highfield, BIIAB, CIEH, or other GOV.UK-listed)?
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What is the exact location, or if online, is remote invigilation accepted locally?
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Does the syllabus cover all required legal topics, include mock exam and revision materials?
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What is the cost, and what is included (exam, certification, application assistance, resits)?
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Trainer quality & student reviews.
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Flexible scheduling (evenings/weekends) if needed.
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Understand exam format and what passing involves.
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Application support for license issuance after passing.
Conclusion
Finding the right Personal Licence Course Near Me means more than just searching for the closest venue. It’s about ensuring the course is accredited, the exam is recognised, the content is comprehensive, and the costs are transparent. Use trusted sources like GOV.UK, Highfield, BIIAB to verify providers. Compare price vs value, check reviews, and make sure there’s support for the licence application afterwards.
With the right course, you’ll gain the required Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders, be properly trained in licensing responsibilities, and be fully compliant under UK law. Good luck with your search and training!