Personal License Courses in London
In the UK, a Personal Licence course trains you to apply for a Personal Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 — a legal requirement if you want to sell, supply, or authorise the sale of alcohol on licensed premises such as pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, and events.
The most common and recognised qualification is the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) — accredited by the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) and approved across England and Wales.
Contents
1. BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH)
Overview
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This is the standard UK qualification you need before you can apply for an official personal licence with your local council.
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It covers:
✔ Licensing Act 2003 essentials
✔ Personal licence responsibilities
✔ Licensing authorities and premises licences
✔ Age checks and prevention of harm
✔ Temporary Events Notices
✔ Police and enforcement powers
💡 All course providers teach the same APLH syllabus.
Popular Training Options in or from London
1. In‑Class APLH Courses (London)
Several providers run one‑day classroom training sessions in London, usually with included exam:
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Inn‑Dispensable Personal Licence Courses – London
• One‑day training with exam & mock papers
• Certificate issued within ~14 days
• Often includes refreshments & support with your licence application. -
Dean Training – APLH / Personal Licence
• In‑class courses around London (e.g., NW10)
• Held on specific dates throughout the year
• Also available as an online alternative. -
SafetyMark Level 2 APLH Course (Stratford, East London)
• Accredited by Ofqual with exam & certificate
• Options for same‑day results or e‑learning versions too.
📌 Most of these courses run between £99 and £195+VAT depending on provider and whether the exam is included.
2. Online Personal Licence Courses
If you prefer flexible learning before taking your accredited exam:
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CPL Learning APLH Online Course – Covers licensing law and exam preparation online, then you sit an online exam to get your certificate.
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ABC Kickstart Online Personal Licence Course – Online training suitable for hospitality roles, covering duties and legal context.
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p2e Alcohol Personal Licence Holder Online Course – Short course (~90 min), with CPD and industry‑approved content.
📌 Online options are good for remote study and often cheaper, but you’ll still need an approved exam result to apply for a licence.
What You’ll Learn & Get
✔ Licensing Act 2003 essentials – legal framework for alcohol sales.
✔ Duties of a Personal Licence Holder – legal responsibilities and compliance.
✔ How to apply for the licence – what to submit to your local council.
✔ 40‑question multiple‑choice exam — successful candidates get a certificate for their licence application.
Who Should Take This Course?
✔ Aspiring bar managers and supervisors
✔ Restaurant or pub owners
✔ Event organisers responsible for alcohol sales
✔ Anybody required to hold a personal licence for work in licensed premises
How It Helps Your Career
Once you complete and pass the course and exam, you’ll receive the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders qualification. With that:
🔹 You can apply to your local council for an official personal licence.
🔹 This licence allows you to legally sell or authorise the sale of alcohol on licensed premises in England and Wales.
🔹 It’s a requirement for many roles in hospitality, bar management, events, and licensed retail.
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FAQs — Personal Licence Courses in London
What is a Personal Licence?
It’s an official UK licence that permits you to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol on licensed premises.
Do I need this licence to work in hospitality in London?
Yes, if you’ll be selling or supervising the sale of alcohol, you must hold a personal licence.
How long does the course take?
Most classroom APLH courses are 1 day (about 6–8 hours).
How is it assessed?
By a multiple‑choice exam at the end of the course.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes — upon passing, you receive the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders certificate recognised for licence applications.