An alcohol licence for a UK shop: the steps and the cost

To sell alcohol in a shop legally, a sign over the door is not enough — you need licences. In England and Wales this is governed by the Licensing Act 2003, and the permits are issued by your local council. Here is the step-by-step, and what it costs.

You need two licences

The first is a premises licence: it lets the shop itself sell alcohol. The second is a personal licence: held by the person responsible for alcohol sales at the premises, known as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

Step 1. Get a personal licence

First take an accredited course (the APLH qualification — Award for Personal Licence Holders, Level 2): a short training and exam. Then get a basic criminal record (DBS) check and apply to the council where you live. The fee is about £37, and the licence lasts indefinitely with no renewal.

Step 2. Name a DPS

In the premises application name the person responsible (the DPS) — this can be the owner. Without a named DPS holding a personal licence you cannot sell alcohol.

Step 3. Apply for the premises licence

You submit a form, a plan of the premises and an operating schedule (how you will uphold the licensing objectives and your trading hours) to the council. The fee depends on the premises’ rateable-value band: from about £100 for small shops to £600+ for large ones, plus an annual fee.

Step 4. Advertise and wait 28 days

After applying you must display an official notice (pale blue) for 28 days and place an advert in a local newspaper, and notify the responsible authorities (police, environmental health and others). There is a 28-day window for objections. No objections and the licence is granted; objections mean a hearing before the council’s licensing sub-committee.

What you must uphold

A licence rests on four objectives: preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing nuisance to neighbours, and protecting children. In practice: a Challenge 25 policy (ask for ID from anyone who looks under 25), a refusals log, and no sales to drunk people or under-18s. For a one-off event you use a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) instead of a full licence.

On cost and time: it usually takes a few weeks, and the budget is roughly £100 to £600+ depending on the premises, plus the course and personal licence. Check the exact fees, forms and timings on your council’s website — it issues the licences and inspects shops. This is general information, not personal legal advice.