BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does the term 'staggered closing times' mean and why might a licensing authority favour it?

Closing times that vary according to the level of disorder on any given night
A policy of encouraging licensed premises to have varying closing times rather than all closing simultaneously, so as to reduce the sudden release of large numbers of intoxicated people at the same time (Correct answer)
Different opening times for different types of licensed venues
A requirement imposed on venues to close at different times on weekdays versus weekends

Correct answer: A policy of encouraging licensed premises to have varying closing times rather than all closing simultaneously, so as to reduce the sudden release of large numbers of intoxicated people at the same time

Staggered closing times prevent the 'vertical drinking' mass-exit problem where thousands of intoxicated people are simultaneously ejected from all venues — spreading the flow of departing customers reduces disorder and transport pressure.

Question 2: Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, what replaced Alcohol Disorder Zones?

Designated Drinking Areas
Alcohol Exclusion Zones
Alcohol-Free Community Zones
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices, which have broader powers to manage alcohol-related disorder in public spaces (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices, which have broader powers to manage alcohol-related disorder in public spaces

The 2014 Act replaced a range of older public space powers with PSPOs and Community Protection Notices — PSPOs can restrict alcohol consumption in defined areas, replacing the DPPO and ADZ regimes.

Question 3: What is the 'mandatory code' relating to irresponsible drinks promotions?

A condition attached only to nightclub premises licences
A national advertising standard applied by the ASA
The Licensing Act (Mandatory Conditions) Order 2010, which prohibits irresponsible promotions including activities that encourage rapid or excessive alcohol consumption (Correct answer)
A voluntary code of practice issued by the British Beer and Pub Association

Correct answer: The Licensing Act (Mandatory Conditions) Order 2010, which prohibits irresponsible promotions including activities that encourage rapid or excessive alcohol consumption

The Mandatory Conditions Order 2010 prohibits irresponsible promotions — deals that reward speed of consumption, games that require drinking forfeits, or promotions linked to downing drinks are all prohibited.

Question 4: What is the 'Best Bar None' scheme and how does it relate to licensing objectives?

A police designation for premises exempt from test purchases
A government certification for premises that have never had a licence review
A trade association membership requirement for national chain venues
An award scheme that recognises licensed premises with high standards of management, responsible alcohol service, and good practices that promote the licensing objectives (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An award scheme that recognises licensed premises with high standards of management, responsible alcohol service, and good practices that promote the licensing objectives

Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme recognising excellent management practices — participation demonstrates a commitment to promoting the licensing objectives and can be used as evidence of responsible management in licensing proceedings.

Question 5: Which of the following scenarios constitutes carrying on an unauthorised licensable activity?

A members' club provides free tea and coffee to guests after 11 pm.
A personal licence holder sells alcohol at a licensed premises where they are not the DPS.
A restaurant plays pre-recorded background music at a low volume during opening hours.
A pub with a premises licence sells alcohol one hour after its permitted hours have ended. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A pub with a premises licence sells alcohol one hour after its permitted hours have ended.

Carrying on a licensable activity otherwise than in accordance with an authorisation is an offence under Section 136. A premises licence authorises activities within specific hours; selling alcohol outside of these hours means the activity is not in accordance with the authorisation and is therefore an offence.

Question 6: A single individual holds a personal licence and has been appointed as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for three separate pubs owned by the same company. Under the Licensing Act 2003, is this arrangement permissible?

Yes, but only if the pubs are all located within the same local authority area.
No, an individual must work full-time at any premises for which they are the DPS.
No, an individual can only be the DPS for a maximum of two premises.
Yes, provided they can effectively manage and supervise all premises to ensure the licensing objectives are promoted. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, provided they can effectively manage and supervise all premises to ensure the licensing objectives are promoted.

The Licensing Act 2003 allows a single individual to be the DPS for more than one premises. The key consideration is whether they are able to ensure the proper management and promotion of the four licensing objectives across all the sites for which they are responsible.

Question 7: What is a 'test purchase' in the context of alcohol licensing?

A staff training exercise using simulated customers
An undercover enforcement operation where a person under 18 (supervised by an adult officer) attempts to buy alcohol to test compliance with age verification procedures (Correct answer)
A price comparison exercise conducted by trading standards
A quality assessment of alcohol brands sold in a premises

Correct answer: An undercover enforcement operation where a person under 18 (supervised by an adult officer) attempts to buy alcohol to test compliance with age verification procedures

Test purchase operations are conducted by trading standards and/or the police using young volunteers under 18 (with written consent) to test whether premises are properly checking age — a failed test can result in prosecution.

Question 8: What is a 'violence reduction zone' condition that may be imposed on a premises licence?

A condition requiring the premises to close by midnight in high-violence areas
A condition prohibiting the sale of alcohol in glass containers
A condition requiring all staff to complete a violence awareness course
A condition (often including plastic glass requirements, search policies, or CCTV) designed to reduce the risk of violence at or near the premises (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A condition (often including plastic glass requirements, search policies, or CCTV) designed to reduce the risk of violence at or near the premises

Licensing authorities can impose conditions tailored to violence reduction — these may include polycarbonate containers to prevent glass weapons, SIA door supervision, search policies, or CCTV requirements.

Question 9: Under the Licensing Act 2003, what is a 'minor variation' to a premises licence?

Any change to the conditions of a licence
A simplified application process for small changes to a licence (such as minor changes to the operating schedule or licensed area) that do not raise concerns about the licensing objectives (Correct answer)
A change of DPS only
A temporary modification for a one-off event

Correct answer: A simplified application process for small changes to a licence (such as minor changes to the operating schedule or licensed area) that do not raise concerns about the licensing objectives

The minor variation process (s.41A) allows straightforward, low-risk changes to be made to a premises licence without the full consultation and hearing process required for a major variation.

Question 10: If a new licence application is unopposed but the police subsequently provide evidence of serious crime linked to the premises, at what stage can this be addressed?

Only if a new application is made by the licence holder
A review of the premises licence can be applied for by the police at any time after the licence has been granted (Correct answer)
It cannot be addressed once a licence has been granted without objection
Only at the next annual review of the licence

Correct answer: A review of the premises licence can be applied for by the police at any time after the licence has been granted

A premises licence review can be requested at any time by a responsible authority (such as the police) or an interested party — there is no minimum period before a review can be triggered.

Question 11: What is the DPS's obligation if they become aware that the premises is being used for drug supply?

There is no specific obligation on the DPS in this situation
Take immediate steps to prevent the drug supply, inform the police, and consider whether the premises licence needs to be reviewed (Correct answer)
Report only to the licensing authority
Advise the premises licence holder in writing and take no immediate action

Correct answer: Take immediate steps to prevent the drug supply, inform the police, and consider whether the premises licence needs to be reviewed

A DPS who becomes aware of drug dealing must act — failing to take steps to prevent it could mean they are permitting a criminal activity on the premises, undermining the prevention of crime and disorder objective.

Question 12: How long does a premises licence last under the Licensing Act 2003?

Indefinitely, until surrendered, suspended, or revoked (Correct answer)
5 years, subject to satisfactory review
1 year, renewable annually
3 years, renewable on application

Correct answer: Indefinitely, until surrendered, suspended, or revoked

A premises licence under the 2003 Act has no expiry date — it continues indefinitely unless it is surrendered by the holder, suspended for non-payment of annual fee, or revoked following a review.

Question 13: What is the purpose of a 'log book' or 'incident register' at a licensed premises?

To record the personal licence holder's hours worked
To record all stock deliveries from suppliers
To record incidents of disorder, refusals of service, and other significant events, providing evidence for the licensing authority and management to identify patterns and improve risk management (Correct answer)
To comply with a mandatory condition imposed on all premises by the 2003 Act

Correct answer: To record incidents of disorder, refusals of service, and other significant events, providing evidence for the licensing authority and management to identify patterns and improve risk management

An incident register documents events that occur on the premises — it demonstrates a responsible management culture, helps identify recurring problems, and provides a contemporaneous record if a licence review is triggered.

Question 14: What responsibility does the DPS bear if staff sell alcohol to an under-18 customer without the DPS's knowledge?

The DPS is automatically liable regardless of their management practices
Liability rests solely with the premises licence holder
The DPS may face personal liability if they failed to put in place adequate systems and training to prevent underage sales, or if they 'permitted' the sale through negligent oversight (Correct answer)
The DPS bears no responsibility — only the staff member who made the sale is liable

Correct answer: The DPS may face personal liability if they failed to put in place adequate systems and training to prevent underage sales, or if they 'permitted' the sale through negligent oversight

The DPS can be liable if they knowingly or negligently permitted under-age sales — failure to implement adequate training, supervision, and age verification policies can amount to permitting the offence.

Question 15: A premises repeatedly linked to drug use inside the venue most directly engages which licensing objective?

Protection of children from harm
Prevention of crime and disorder (possession and supply of controlled drugs are criminal offences) (Correct answer)
Prevention of public nuisance
Public safety

Correct answer: Prevention of crime and disorder (possession and supply of controlled drugs are criminal offences)

Drug possession and supply are criminal offences — a venue where this occurs persistently directly undermines the prevention of crime and disorder objective, and the licence can be reviewed on this basis.

Question 16: Which government guidance must a licensing authority have regard to when making licensing decisions under the Licensing Act 2003?

Police guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council
NHS public health guidance on alcohol
Home Office circular guidance only
Section 182 guidance issued by the Secretary of State, which licensing authorities must have regard to when exercising their licensing functions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Section 182 guidance issued by the Secretary of State, which licensing authorities must have regard to when exercising their licensing functions

Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 requires the Secretary of State to issue guidance to licensing authorities, which they must have regard to — failure to follow this guidance without good reason can render licensing decisions unlawful.

Question 17: Who is entitled to apply for a review of a premises licence?

Only responsible authorities designated under the Act
Any responsible authority or any other person (Correct answer)
Only the police or trading standards
Only the premises licence holder or DPS

Correct answer: Any responsible authority or any other person

A review can be applied for by any responsible authority (such as the police or environmental health) or by any other person, meaning local residents, businesses, or community groups may also apply.

Question 18: In what circumstance can a personal licence be refused even where the applicant has no relevant convictions?

If the applicant has previously worked at a premises whose licence was revoked
If the police object on crime prevention grounds and the licensing authority accepts that objection after a hearing (Correct answer)
The licensing authority cannot refuse a clean-record application under any circumstances
If the applicant has too many points on their driving licence

Correct answer: If the police object on crime prevention grounds and the licensing authority accepts that objection after a hearing

The police can give an objection notice within 14 days of receiving notification of an application, citing crime prevention reasons — the licensing authority must hold a hearing and may refuse the application on those grounds.

Question 19: A Licensing Authority is reviewing a premises licence following representations from the police concerning serious crime. After a hearing, the authority decides that action is necessary to promote the licensing objectives. Which of the following actions is beyond their power?

Suspending the licence for a period not exceeding three months.
Revoking the licence.
Ordering the personal licence holder to pay compensation to victims of the crime. (Correct answer)
Modifying the conditions of the licence.

Correct answer: Ordering the personal licence holder to pay compensation to victims of the crime.

During a review, a Licensing Authority has a range of powers, including modifying conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the DPS, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking it entirely. However, they do not have the power to order criminal compensation; this is a function of the courts.

Question 20: Implementing a comprehensive CCTV system and employing SIA-licensed door staff are primary measures taken to promote which licensing objective?

Public safety
The prevention of crime and disorder (Correct answer)
The protection of children from harm
The prevention of public nuisance

Correct answer: The prevention of crime and disorder

Measures like installing CCTV and using licensed door supervisors are specifically aimed at deterring and managing potential criminal activity, violence, and disorder. These actions help ensure the premises do not become a centre for illegal or anti-social behaviour, directly supporting the prevention of crime and disorder objective.

Question 21: Can a personal licence be transferred between holders when a business is sold?

Yes, it automatically transfers to the new owner
Yes, for 28 days while the new owner applies for their own
Yes, but only with the approval of the licensing authority
No — a personal licence is non-transferable and belongs to the individual; the new owner must obtain their own personal licence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No — a personal licence is non-transferable and belongs to the individual; the new owner must obtain their own personal licence

A personal licence is personal to the individual holder — it cannot be transferred, assigned, or inherited; anyone who wishes to authorise alcohol sales needs their own personal licence.

Question 22: What is the 'designated public place' regime and how does it affect licensed premises?

It gives local authorities power to revoke licences in disorder hotspots
It allows local authorities to designate public places where police can confiscate and require people to stop drinking alcohol in public, targeting street drinking near licensed premises (Correct answer)
It designates premises for priority policing resources
It requires all licensed premises to provide outdoor seating areas

Correct answer: It allows local authorities to designate public places where police can confiscate and require people to stop drinking alcohol in public, targeting street drinking near licensed premises

Designated public place orders (DPPOs, now Public Spaces Protection Orders) allow police to confiscate open containers and direct people not to drink in specified public areas, helping to manage disorder near licensed premises.

Question 23: Under the Licensing Act 2003, who are the 'responsible authorities' that can make representations about licence applications?

Any local charity or community group
Only the police and fire service
Bodies including the police, fire authority, environmental health, trading standards, and planning authority, who have a formal role in promoting the licensing objectives (Correct answer)
Any member of the public

Correct answer: Bodies including the police, fire authority, environmental health, trading standards, and planning authority, who have a formal role in promoting the licensing objectives

Responsible authorities include police, fire authority, environmental health, public health, trading standards, child protection authority, planning authority, and the licensing authority itself — all can make representations.

Question 24: Under the Licensing Act 2003, what is the offence of 'selling alcohol to a drunk person'?

It is a civil offence carrying a fixed penalty notice only
Section 141 creates an offence of knowingly selling or attempting to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk on any licensed premises (Correct answer)
It is only an offence in late-night premises after midnight
There is no specific offence relating to selling to a drunk person

Correct answer: Section 141 creates an offence of knowingly selling or attempting to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk on any licensed premises

Section 141 Licensing Act 2003 makes it a criminal offence for any person on relevant premises to knowingly sell or attempt to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk.

Question 25: What is the relationship between 'drunk and disorderly' behaviour and the licensing objectives?

It engages only the prevention of public nuisance objective
Premises that permit or contribute to drunk and disorderly behaviour are failing the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety licensing objectives, which can trigger a licence review (Correct answer)
It only becomes a licensing concern if physical violence occurs on the premises
It is unrelated to licensing — it is solely a police matter

Correct answer: Premises that permit or contribute to drunk and disorderly behaviour are failing the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety licensing objectives, which can trigger a licence review

Drunk and disorderly behaviour linked to a premises engages both the crime and disorder objective (disorder is crime-adjacent) and potentially public safety — the premises licence can be reviewed if the operator fails to prevent this.

Question 26: An officer from the local fire and rescue authority wishes to inspect a nightclub to check fire safety compliance as it relates to the licensing objectives. Under what conditions do they have the right of entry?

Only when accompanied by a police constable.
Only during a pre-arranged appointment with the Designated Premises Supervisor.
At any reasonable time, upon producing their authorisation if requested. (Correct answer)
They must first obtain a court order to enter the premises.

Correct answer: At any reasonable time, upon producing their authorisation if requested.

Under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003, an 'authorised person', which includes an officer from the fire authority, can enter a licensed premises at any reasonable time to check if licensable activities are being carried on in accordance with the licence and to assess the promotion of the licensing objectives (e.g., public safety). They are not required to be with the police or have a court order, but they must produce evidence of their authority if asked.

Question 27: Under the Licensing Act 2003, which type of condition on a premises licence cannot be imposed?

Conditions requiring CCTV systems
Conditions that are inconsistent with the operating schedule, disproportionate, or that impose requirements already imposed by other legislation (Correct answer)
Conditions relating to staff training
Conditions relating to admission policies

Correct answer: Conditions that are inconsistent with the operating schedule, disproportionate, or that impose requirements already imposed by other legislation

Conditions must be appropriate and proportionate for the promotion of the licensing objectives — they cannot duplicate requirements already in other legislation and must be consistent with the operating schedule.

Question 28: The Licensing Act 2003 is underpinned by four statutory licensing objectives. Which of the following is NOT one of these objectives?

The protection of children from harm
The prevention of public nuisance
The promotion of responsible drinking habits (Correct answer)
Public safety

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 29: Which section of the Licensing Act 2003 makes it an offence to sell alcohol without authorisation?

Section 19
Section 182
Section 141
Section 136 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Section 136

Section 136 Licensing Act 2003 makes it a criminal offence to carry on or attempt to carry on a licensable activity without a relevant authorisation, subject to unlimited fine and/or 6 months' imprisonment.

Question 30: What is the minimum age for purchasing alcohol in England and Wales?

21 years old
17 years old
18 years old (Correct answer)
16 years old

Correct answer: 18 years old

The minimum age for purchasing alcohol in England and Wales is 18 years old — selling alcohol to a person under 18 is a criminal offence under the Licensing Act 2003.

BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH)

The APLH is the mandatory qualification required to apply for a personal licence to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. It tests knowledge of the Licensing Act 2003, licensing objectives, and the responsibilities of personal licence holders and designated premises supervisors.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

gov.uk — Eligibility · verified Oct 2026
biiab.co.uk — Exam format, passing score, test delivery · verified Oct 2026