Training & Licensing

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 Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holder (APLH) course is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and operate licenced premises in England and Wales. This course delves into a wide range of topics, from understanding the intricacies of licensing law to implementing practical strategies for responsible alcohol management, exemptions to the supply of alcohol, and the protection of children.

By completing the Level 2 APLH course, individuals will gain the relevant qualification that demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing licensed premises, enabling them to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Additionally, the course equips participants with knowledge of the effects of alcohol on the body, as well as the legal operating schedules and duties of the licence holder.

Course fee: £75 + VAT

Purchase the APLH course here

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.

View the full list of accredited personal licence qualification providers

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.