Running a pub in the UK comes with great responsibility, and understanding licensing laws is a vital part of the job. Whether you’re taking on your first tenancy or stepping up to manage a busy bar, you’ll need the right training and certification to ensure your pub operates legally and safely.
One of the key requirements is holding a recognised personal licence qualification — the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) in England and Wales, or the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) in Scotland. These qualifications prove that you understand the laws around selling alcohol, how to promote responsible drinking, and how to keep your staff and customers safe.
Proper training not only keeps you compliant with the law but also helps you run a successful, welcoming pub that’s a valued part of the local community. Below we highlight the key qualifications required, and link to providers.
Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH)
The Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) is a nationally recognised qualification required in England and Wales for anyone who wants to apply for a personal licence to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol. It covers essential knowledge of licensing law, responsibilities of licence holders, and the social and legal issues related to serving alcohol responsibly. Holding this qualification demonstrates that an individual understands their legal duties and is committed to promoting safe and responsible alcohol retailing.
Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH)
The Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) is the mandatory qualification for individuals in Scotland who wish to apply for a personal licence to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol. It ensures licence holders are aware of Scottish licensing law, their responsibilities, and best practices for the safe sale and service of alcohol. This certificate is essential for demonstrating compliance with Scotland’s licensing legislation and for supporting responsible management within licensed premises.
Pre-Entry Awareness Training
Course Overview
The PEAT (Pre-Entry Awareness Training) e-learning course has been designed for prospective tenants/lessees who are considering signing a pub tenancy or lease agreement. It will allow individuals to identify the main issues which need to be considered and investigated before signing a pub tenancy or lease agreement.
If you are considering entering into a pub lease or tenancy agreement, taking PEAT will give you the knowledge you need to evaluate the agreement you are considering.
Completing this course will help you to prepare for your interview and subsequent meetings with your chosen pub company. It will help you identify both the questions you need to ask and the professional advice you need to seek to enable you to make informed commercial decisions. It will also cover the information a pub company needs to give you.
Modules include:
- The Pub Industry
- Types of Agreements
- The Tie
- The Premises & Repairs/Maintenance
- Rent
- Business Planning
- Pub Company Support
- What Next?
Disclaimer : Once a course has been booked FindMyPub.com will not be responsible for the refund of any courses.
