APLH DPS Responsibilities

Question 1

What is the role of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) under the Licensing Act 2003?

Accepted Answer

To be the individual who holds day-to-day responsibility for ensuring that the premises operates in accordance with its licence, and in whose name each sale of alcohol is authorised

Answer

The DPS is the key contact between the premises and the licensing authority — they are the responsible personal licence holder who accepts accountability for the day-to-day operation of the licence.

Question 2

Is it a requirement for the DPS to be present at the premises at all times when alcohol is being sold?

Accepted Answer

No — the DPS authorises the sale of alcohol by others and does not need to be present in person for every sale

Answer

The DPS authorises others to make sales under s.153 — they need not be present in person at every sale, but they must be the named responsible individual and must operate appropriate supervision systems.

Question 3

What happens to a premises licence for alcohol if there is no DPS named on it?

Accepted Answer

The premises may not sell alcohol until a new DPS has been nominated and the premises licence has been varied accordingly

Answer

A premises licence authorising the sale of alcohol must always name a DPS — without one, the sale of alcohol is not authorised, and the licence cannot be used for alcohol sales until a new DPS is nominated.

Question 4

What must the DPS do to step down from their role at a premises?

Accepted Answer

Give consent in writing (on the prescribed form) and the premises licence holder must apply to vary the DPS to name a replacement, or the authority will be notified of the vacancy

Answer

Changing or removing the DPS is a formal variation to the premises licence — the outgoing DPS gives consent and the licence holder applies to substitute a new DPS, or notify the authority of the vacancy.

Question 5

In what circumstance can the licensing authority remove the DPS designation from a premises licence without the DPS's consent?

Accepted Answer

Following a review of the premises licence where the licensing authority determines that removing the DPS is necessary to promote the licensing objectives

Answer

A licence review can result in removal of the DPS as a condition — the licensing authority can order that a named individual is removed as DPS without their consent if the review determines this is necessary.

Personal Licence APLH Practice Test

Personal Licence APLH Practice Test

APLH DPS Responsibilities