How do I apply for a new Personal Licence?
Please read the Guidance for Personal Licences (PDF) [9KB] and List of relevant offences (PDF) [26KB] carefully before completing the application form. The qualification required for a NEW Personal Licence is the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders at SCQF Level 6 introduced on 1 December 2020. Any Certificate dated from before that date cannot be accepted. View a list of training providers (PDF) [191KB] available who you can contact to arrange your course and exam. Please note, there are other trainers available. Please do not apply for your Personal Licence until you have received your SCPLH Certificate, note that sitting the course on its own is not sufficient. Missing information on the application will lead to delays in your application being processed.
You will be required to upload a photo or pdf of your SCPLH Certificate, a colour head and shoulders photograph of yourself and your photo certification as part of the process. Not uploading these documents will lead to a delay in processing your application. The fee is £50 and is paid online at the end of the process.
Applying online is our preferred method, however, you can apply email or by post by completing our Application for a Personal Licence (PDF) [228KB] but please note, your application will take longer to be processed:
- By emailing the completed application form, along with the required documentation to liquorlicensing@pkc.gov.uk. You will receive an emailed acknowledgement if it has been successfully delivered. The £50 fee can be paid by calling us on 01738 475180 between 9am and 1pm weekdays. Your application will not be processed until the fee has been received.
- By posting the completed application form, along with the required supporting documentation and a cheque for the fee to the Licensing Team, Perth and Kinross Council. 32 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5GD.
Missing information and documentation on paper and emailed application forms is the most common cause of an application taking longer to process. Please ensure you FULLY complete all questions including the Convictions box.
How will my application be dealt with?
On receipt of the application form, you should allow a minimum of 8 weeks for your application to be processed. If you have not submitted all the required documentation at the same time as your application, it may take longer to process. As part of the process, your application is sent to Police Scotland and the Licensing Standards Officer. Both consultees have to respond with any comments within 21 days of them receiving your application.
If a notice is received specifying any relevant convictions or information then your application will have to be determined at a meeting of the Board. A report collating the responses will be prepared and you will be sent a copy of that and advised of the date and time of the meeting. It is helpful if you are in attendance at the meeting to answer any questions which may arise. However, if you have been given notice of the meeting the Board may proceed to deal with the application in your absence if you have not asked for the application to be adjourned to another date to allow you to attend.
Once your licence application has been processed, the approved licence will be sent to you by email. You will be required to print a colour copy for your records. We would suggest that you have it laminated to keep it safe. We will only issue a licence on paper if specifically requested.
If my application is refused, can I appeal?
You have a right of appeal to the Sheriff Court if your application for a personal licence is refused and you should consult your own legal representative should you wish further information about how to appeal.
What conditions will apply to my Licence?
There are no conditions attached to a Personal Licence however there is a duty on a licence holder to undertake refresher training every five years and the following requirements are specific to personal licence holders.
- You must notify the Board within one month of a change of name or address
- You must notify any Court that you are a personal licence holder on your first appearance if you are charged with a relevant offence
- You must notify the Board of a conviction for a relevant or foreign offence no later than one month after the date of conviction
How long will my licence last for?
Your personal licence is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued and you must make an application to renew the licence in the last year of that licence.
In order for your licence to last 10 years you must complete a personal licence refresher course after 5 years and submit evidence to the Board that this has been completed. Find more information on our Personal Licence refresher training page.
In order for your licence to continue after 10 years you must make an application to renew your licence in the 9 month period starting a year before your licence expires and ending 3 months before the expiry date. E.g. If your licence was granted on 1 September 2014 it will be due to be renewed on 1 September 2024, you can apply to renew from 31 August 2023 and the absolute deadline for submitting a personal licence renewal application is 1 June 2024.
You will be sent a letter by post to the address on your licence 9 months before the expiry date of your licence.
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