Personal Alcohol Licences: Enabling Targeted, Local Alternatives

The Home Office consultation proposed ideas to enable targeted, local alternatives to personal licences through locally applied conditions to premises licences.

At present, all alcohol sales must be authorised by a personal licence holder. Personal licence holders must have completed training on the risks alcohol can present if handled irresponsibly. They must also notify licensing authorities if they commit any offence which suggests they may be unsuitable as a manager at licensed premises. Discussions with partners in the police, local government and the licensed trade during the recent Alcohol Strategy consultation suggested that this system may not always be the most targeted and proportionate way to ensure alcohol is sold responsibly.

The consultation provided an opportunity for licensing authorities, the licensed trade, police officers and the general public to share their views on this proposal. In particular, the Government sought views on whether it would cut costs for businesses and maintain appropriate safeguards against crime and disorder at licensed premises.

PCC's Response

The PCC's response to the consultation can be viewed here.