Licensing Law

What is the primary legislation governing alcohol licensing in the UK?

• AThe Licensing Act 2023
• BThe Licensing Act 2003✓
• CThe Licensing Regulations 2005
• DThe Alcohol Standards Act 2010

Answer: The Licensing Act 2003 is the main piece of legislation that governs the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales. It established the licensing objectives and the system of personal and premises licences.

How many licensing objectives are there under the Licensing Act 2003?

• A2
• B3
• C4✓
• D5

Answer: There are four licensing objectives: (1) Prevention of crime and disorder, (2) Public safety, (3) Prevention of public nuisance, and (4) Protection of children from harm.

Which of the following is NOT a licensing objective under the Licensing Act 2003?

• APrevention of crime and disorder
• BPublic safety
• CEnvironmental protection✓
• DProtection of children from harm

Answer: Environmental protection is not a licensing objective. The four objectives are: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.

What is the role of the licensing authority?

• ATo issue personal licences only
• BTo grant, vary, and review licences for premises in their area✓
• CTo manage all bars and pubs
• DTo enforce tax collection

Answer: The licensing authority (usually the local council) is responsible for granting premises licences, varying them, reviewing them, and taking action against premises that breach their licensing conditions.

What is a Personal Licence?

• AA licence to run a specific pub
• BA licence that allows an individual to sell alcohol in any licensed premises✓
• CA licence issued to breweries only
• DA temporary licence lasting 3 months

Answer: A Personal Licence is issued to an individual and allows them to sell alcohol on behalf of a licensed premises. It is not tied to a specific premises and allows the holder to work in any licensed establishment.

How long is a Personal Licence valid for?

• A1 year
• B3 years
• C5 years
• DIndefinitely✓

Answer: Under the Licensing Act 2003 as amended by the Deregulation Act 2015, a Personal Licence is now valid indefinitely from the date of issue. Prior to April 2015, personal licences were valid for 10 years, but this requirement was removed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

What is a Premises Licence?

• AA licence issued to individuals
• BA licence that covers a specific establishment where alcohol is sold✓
• CA temporary licence
• DA wholesale licence only

Answer: A Premises Licence is issued for a specific building or location where alcohol is sold, such as a pub, bar, or off-licence. It sets out conditions specific to that premises.

What is the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)?

• AThe owner of the premises
• BThe person responsible for ensuring the premises complies with licensing conditions✓
• CA temporary position lasting 6 months
• DOnly required for large pubs

Answer: The DPS is a named person with a Personal Licence who has day-to-day responsibility for ensuring the premises operates in accordance with the Premises Licence and its conditions.

What is a Temporary Event Notice (TEN)?

• AA licence for permanent premises
• BA permission to sell alcohol at a temporary event without a full licence✓
• CA personal licence for new applicants
• DAn annual permit for off-licences

Answer: A TEN is a short-term permission allowing alcohol sales at temporary events (such as festivals or private parties) without requiring a full premises licence. There are usually limits on the number of TENs in a year.

How many TENs can a premises issue in a calendar year?

• ANo limit
• B5 TENs
• C12 TENs
• DUp to 15 TENs✓

Answer: A premises can issue up to 15 TENs per premises per calendar year. This limit was increased from 12 to 15 in 2016 to better support businesses with temporary event needs, while still ensuring TENs remain for genuinely temporary events and don't become a way to avoid premises licensing.

What is a Club Premises Licence?

• AA licence for any pub
• BA licence allowing an established club to supply alcohol to members without a premises licence✓
• CA temporary personal licence
• DA licence for off-licences only

Answer: A Club Premises Licence allows an established club to supply alcohol to members without needing to hold a premises licence. The club must have existed for at least 3 months and have a membership.

Can a personal licence holder work in any venue that sells alcohol?

• AOnly in pubs and bars
• BOnly in off-licences
• CYes, in any premises with a premises licence✓
• DOnly with permission from the licensing authority

Answer: Yes, a personal licence holder can work in any premises that has a valid premises licence, including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, off-licences, and clubs (subject to the club's specific rules).