What is a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)?

To sell alcohol legally in the UK, you need more than just a Premises Licence. You also need a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). Every licensed venue, whether it's a pub, shop, or restaurant, must have one. This quick guide explains what a DPS does, why it matters, and how to become one without the legal jargon.

What Does DPS Stand For?

DPS stands for Designated Premises Supervisor.

This is the person named on a Premises Licence who is responsible for all alcohol sales at that venue. A DPS must hold a valid Personal Licence and is the main point of contact for the local licensing authority.

What is a Designated Premises Supervisor?

A Designated Premises Supervisor is the person who takes legal responsibility for how alcohol is sold at a licensed venue. This could be a pub, bar, club, restaurant, shop, or event space.

You can only have one DPS per premises. Their name must appear on the Premises Licence. Without a named DPS, the venue cannot sell alcohol.

Why Is a DPS Important?

The DPS ensures that alcohol is sold responsibly and within the law. They're responsible for ensuring the venue follows all the licensing conditions and protects the public.

Think of the DPS as the person in charge when it comes to alcohol sales. If something goes wrong, they'll be the first person the authorities contact.

Want to Become a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)?

To become a DPS, the first step is earning your APLH Personal Licence, and that starts with completing a recognised training course.

At Hurak, we make the process simple, fast, and stress-free.

Step 1: Complete the Level 2 APLH Personal Licence Course
Gain the knowledge you need to pass the exam and meet the legal requirement for holding a Personal Licence.

Step 2: Apply for Your Personal Licence
Once you pass the course, submit your application to your local council.

After that, you can be named as the DPS on a Premises Licence and start managing alcohol sales legally and confidently.

Responsibilities of a Designated Premises Supervisor

A Designated Premises Supervisor plays a key role in making sure alcohol is sold legally and safely at a licensed venue. While they may not be involved in every transaction, they are the person ultimately accountable for how alcohol is handled on the premises. This means they must take active steps to ensure staff are trained, the rules are followed, and the venue operates in line with licensing objectives.

Here are the key duties of a DPS:

• Make sure alcohol is sold legally and responsibly

• Ensure staff are trained on licensing laws

• Be the point of contact for the police and council

• Prevent underage sales and antisocial behaviour

• Comply with the conditions of the Premises Licence

• Support the four licensing objectives:

1. Preventing crime and disorder

2. Ensuring public safety

3. Preventing public nuisance

4. Protecting children from harm

Tip: Even if the DPS is not always physically at the venue, they are still legally responsible for how alcohol is sold.

Legal Requirements to Become a DPS

To become a DPS in the UK, the following legal requirements must be fulfilled:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a valid Personal Licence

• Have no serious criminal convictions

Click Here to Watch the Personal Licence Guide

How to Become a Designated Premises Supervisor

Becoming a Designated Premises Supervisor isn't as complicated as it sounds, but there are a few essential steps you must follow. In this section, we'll walk you through the whole process, from getting the required training to officially being named on a Premises Licence, so you can take on the role with confidence and stay compliant with the licensing laws.

Complete the APLH Personal Licence Training

You must complete the APLH (Award for Personal Licence Holders) training course and pass the exam.

Start your training here

Apply for a Personal Licence

Once you pass the course, you can apply for a Personal Licence through your local council, or let us help make the process easier with our application support service.

Apply for your Personal Licence

Be Named as the DPS on a Premises Licence

The premises owner or licence holder must submit a DPS Consent Form and update the Premises Licence with your details. Once approved, you will officially become the DPS for that venue.

What If the DPS Is Not On the Premises?

It's a common question: Does a licensee need to be on the premises?

The answer is no, the DPS does not need to be physically present at all times. But they must be able to oversee the running of the premises and ensure staff are trained and following the law. They can appoint staff to manage day-to-day duties, but the legal responsibility stays with them.

Can You Change the DPS on a Premises Licence?

Yes. A premises can request to change its DPS by applying to the local council. The change usually takes effect immediately unless there are objections.

The new DPS must:

• Consent in writing

• Already hold a Personal Licence

In a Nutshell

If a venue wants to sell alcohol legally, it must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) named on its licence. The DPS is responsible for making sure alcohol is sold safely, legally, and in line with licensing laws.

Once you've got your licence, you're ready to take on the role and the responsibility of a DPS.

• A DPS is legally required for any premises selling alcohol

• Only one DPS is allowed per premises

• Must hold a valid Personal Licence

• Legally responsible for all alcohol sales

• Can delegate tasks but not legal responsibility

Want to Know If You're Ready for the APLH Exam?

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FAQs

What does DPS stand for?

DPS stands for Designated Premises Supervisor.

Can a premises sell alcohol without a DPS?

No. A venue must have a named DPS on the Premises Licence to sell alcohol legally.

Is a DPS the same as a licensee?

Not always. A DPS must be a Personal Licence holder, but the premises owner or main licence holder may be different.

How long does it take to become a DPS?

It can take a few weeks. You must first complete the Personal Licence course and apply for your licence before being named as DPS.

What is a DPS certificate?

While people often refer to a DPS certificate, there is no official document by that name. In fact, what they are likely referring to is a Personal Licence.

Do you need to renew your DPS certificate?

There's no separate DPS certificate. As long as your Personal Licence is valid, you can be a DPS.