Are you feeling stuck in your current hospitality role or held back by the lack of formal qualifications to manage a bar or retail outlet? It is incredibly frustrating when your career growth is stalled by legal red tape and confusing licensing jargon.
A Personal Licensing Course (APLH), specifically the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders, is a mandatory UK qualification for anyone wishing to authorise the retail sale of alcohol. This one-day course covers the Licensing Act 2003, legal responsibilities, and social impacts of alcohol, concluding with a 40-question multiple-choice exam.
At BS Security, we provide the most streamlined path to your certification, ensuring you don’t just pass the exam, but master the legalities required to protect your business and your career.
What is the Personal Licensing Course (APLH)?
In the UK, the retail sale of alcohol is a highly regulated activity. To do it legally, a premises must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a valid Personal Licence. The APLH course is the prerequisite qualification needed to apply for that licence.
Technically known as the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (RQF), this course is accredited by bodies like HABC or TQUK and is recognised by all local authorities in England and Wales. It ensures that every person selling alcohol understands the four licensing objectives: preventing crime, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.
Instructor’s Insight: > “Think of the APLH as your ‘driver’s licence’ for alcohol. The Premises Licence belongs to the building, but the Personal Licence belongs to you. It stays with you even if you change jobs, making it a powerful asset for your CV.”
Core Components & Curriculum
The APLH curriculum is designed to be completed in a single intensive day (typically 6 hours of learning). Below is the breakdown of the mandatory units you will master:
| Module / Unit | Key Learning Outcomes |
| Licensing Law | Understanding the Licensing Act 2003 and legal frameworks. |
| Personal Licences | Application process, duties, and why a licence may be forfeited. |
| Premises Licences | Operating schedules and the role of the DPS. |
| Protection of Children | Age verification (Challenge 25), fake IDs, and legal age limits. |
| Powers & Enforcement | Police rights of entry and the consequences of unauthorised sales. |
| Social Responsibility | The effects of alcohol on the body and managing disorderly conduct. |
Who is this for?
If you work in an environment where alcohol is sold, this qualification is likely a requirement for your progression. It is ideal for:
- Aspiring Managers: Anyone looking to become a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
- Retail Staff: Supermarket or convenience store workers who need to authorise sales.
- Hospitality Professionals: Bar staff, restaurant supervisors, and hotel managers.
- Event Organisers: Individuals planning to run events under a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
The “Hidden” Obstacles
Many students worry about the “legal” nature of the course. You might ask, “Is the exam too technical?” or “What if I fail?”
The truth is, the APLH is designed for practical application, not for lawyers. At BS Security, we remove the stress by providing mock exams and simplified study guides before you ever sit the final paper. The exam is a 60-minute, 40-question multiple-choice test. You only need 28 correct answers (70%) to pass. With our expert-led training, our pass rates remain among the highest in the industry.
Pro Tip: > “Most students fail because they rush the questions. Read every word twice. The law is specific, and often the ‘trap’ answers are just slightly misworded versions of the truth.”
Why Choose BS Security?
We don’t just teach you the law; we get you qualified faster.
- Speed: Complete your training in just one day.
- Price: High-value training at a competitive rate of £99.99.
- Support: Our tutors are industry veterans who have managed licensed premises themselves.
- National Recognition: Our certificates are Ofqual-regulated and accepted by every council in the UK.
FAQ About Personal Licensing Course (APLH)
Do I need an APLH to sell alcohol?
Not necessarily to sell it, but someone with a Personal Licence must authorise the sale. If you want to work unsupervised or manage a team, you definitely need it.
How long does the Personal Licence last?
In England and Wales, once you obtain your Personal Licence from the council, it lasts indefinitely. It does not expire, though you must notify the council of address changes.
How difficult is the APLH exam?
It is very manageable. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. With a 70% pass mark and our pre-exam mock tests, most students pass on their first attempt.
What documents do I need for the course?
You will need a valid form of ID (Passport or Driving Licence). To apply for the actual licence later, you will also need a basic DBS check.
Can I take the APLH course online?
Yes. We offer flexible e-learning options that allow you to study at your own pace and take a proctored exam from the comfort of your home.
Your New Career Starts Here!
You’ve been thinking about taking this step for a while, haven’t you? You’ve watched others get promoted to management or take over better-paying roles while you’ve stayed in the same position.
Every day you wait is a day of lost earnings and missed opportunities. Imagine yourself three months from now—holding your Personal Licence, acting as a DPS, and commanding a higher salary because you are now a legal necessity to your employer.
The paperwork might seem boring, and the “legal” talk might seem daunting, but the team at BS Security is here to handle the heavy lifting for you. We simplify the admin so you can focus on your future.
Stop waiting for the “right time” and start building your authority in the hospitality industry today.
Book Your Personal Licensing Course (APLH) with BS Security Now
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