Scotland - Personal Licence Refresher Training - Important Reminder

The fourth anniversary of the coming into force of the Licensing Act (Scotland) 2005 has just passed (1^st September 2009). In the intervening period, there have been and continue to be developments and alterations to Scottish Licensing Law.

However one of the most far reaching in its implications was in the original legislation, and that relates to personal licences. You will all know that once granted a personal licence lasts ten years. Many will therefore assume that unless your details change you need do nothing further for that 10 year period.

However it is a requirement that every personal licence holder undertakes approved refresher training every five years and then produce to their home Licensing Board proof of the training and complies with any other requirements of the appropriate Licensing Board.

If you do not then the Licensing Board must revoke the personal licence. Not only does that mean the licence is lost but that person cannot then apply for a further personal licence for five years!

This could have huge implications for the individual but also for the trade generally in ensuring a designated premises manager achieves the necessary training or the ability for a premises to sell alcohol will at least in the short term be lost. Refresher training within the initial five year period MUST NOT be overlooked.

We are approved by the BIIAB to administer one such approved refresher course, the SCPLH(R) . We are currently scheduling courses for clients and so if you wish us to assist in this regard please contact us.