APLH - Award for Personal Licence Holders Responsible Alcohol Sales Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Licensing Act 2003 is underpinned by four statutory licensing objectives. Which of the following is NOT one of these objectives?
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
- The promotion of responsible drinking habits (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The promotion of responsible drinking habits
The Licensing Act 2003 has four statutory objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. While promoting responsible drinking is a desirable outcome and part of responsible alcohol sales, it is not one of the four official licensing objectives.
Question 2: A customer who is slurring their words and is unsteady on their feet approaches the bar and attempts to order another drink. What is the legally required action for the personal licence holder to take?
- Serve them a single measure instead of a double to reduce intoxication.
- Refuse to serve them any more alcohol. (Correct answer)
- Offer them a glass of water and suggest they return in 30 minutes.
- Serve the drink but immediately inform the Designated Premises Supervisor.
Correct answer: Refuse to serve them any more alcohol.
Under Section 141 of the Licensing Act 2003, it is an offence to knowingly sell or attempt to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk. The only legally correct action is to refuse the sale. The other options still involve serving a drunk person or do not fulfil the legal obligation to prevent the sale.
Question 3: A licensed premises operates a 'Challenge 25' policy. Which statement best describes the legal principle behind adopting this policy?
- It helps the business establish a 'due diligence' defence against a charge of selling alcohol to a person under 18. (Correct answer)
- It is a mandatory condition on all premises licences issued after 2014.
- It legally prohibits anyone who looks under 25 from buying alcohol, even if they are over 18 without ID.
- It grants staff the legal authority to confiscate fraudulent identification.
Correct answer: It helps the business establish a 'due diligence' defence against a charge of selling alcohol to a person under 18.
While having an age verification policy is mandatory, the specific use of 'Challenge 25' is a voluntary, best-practice scheme. Its primary benefit is that it provides strong evidence that the business has taken all reasonable steps to prevent underage sales, thereby supporting a 'due diligence' defence if an illegal sale accidentally occurs.
Question 4: Which of the following is generally considered the most reliable group of documents for proving age when selling alcohol in the UK?
- A student union card with a photograph and a birth certificate.
- A credit card featuring a photograph of the holder.
- A valid passport, a photocard driving licence, or a card bearing the PASS hologram. (Correct answer)
- An expired passport presented alongside a recent utility bill.
Correct answer: A valid passport, a photocard driving licence, or a card bearing the PASS hologram.
The most widely accepted forms of identification are those with high-security features, such as a valid passport, a current UK photocard driving licence, or an accredited proof of age card bearing the PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) hologram. Other forms of ID are not recommended as they are easier to forge and lack the necessary security features.
Question 5: Which of the following drinks promotions would most likely be considered irresponsible and in breach of mandatory licensing conditions?
- A 'happy hour' offering 25% off all drinks for a limited period.
- Offering a 'meal deal' which includes one standard-sized alcoholic drink.
- A 'beat the clock' challenge where customers are encouraged to drink as much as possible within a time limit. (Correct answer)
- Selling a bottle of wine at a lower price than three large individual glasses.
Correct answer: A 'beat the clock' challenge where customers are encouraged to drink as much as possible within a time limit.
A mandatory condition on all premises licences prohibits irresponsible promotions. Promotions that involve games or activities designed to encourage individuals to drink a quantity of alcohol within a time limit, or to drink as much as possible, are explicitly defined as irresponsible. The other options are generally considered acceptable promotions.
Question 6: Under the Weights and Measures Act, when selling still wine by the glass, which of the following quantities is a legally required measure that must be made available to customers?
- 150ml
- 250ml
- 125ml (Correct answer)
- 175ml
Correct answer: 125ml
While premises often sell wine in 175ml (medium) and 250ml (large) glasses, it is a mandatory legal requirement for them to also make still wine available in a 125ml (small) measure. This must be clearly communicated to customers, for example on a menu or price list.
APLH - Award for Personal Licence Holders Responsible Alcohol Sales Questions and Answers
The Licensing Act 2003 is underpinned by four statutory licensing objectives.
Which of the following is NOT one of these objectives?