The personal licence is separate from the licence which authorises the premises to be used for the supply of alcohol or other licensable activities. The licensing of individuals separately from the licensing of premises allows the movement of personal licence holders from one premise to another, giving greater flexibility.
A personal licence allows the holder to supply alcohol from places with a premises licence. Every sale or supply of alcohol must be authorised by a licence holder.
A person can only hold one personal licence at any one time. Personal licences are valid for ten years unless surrendered, suspended, revoked or forfeited. Once granted, the licensing authority which issued the licence remains the “relevant licensing authority” even though the individual may move out of the area or take a job within another authority.