If the application for a Premises Licence includes consent to supply or sell alcohol (but not a Club Premises Licence), a Designated Premises Supervisor must be appointed.
This is the person(s) that will be the first point of contact with the Council or responsible authorities should they have concerns regarding the operation of the Premises.
You cannot become a Designated Premises Supervisor unless you hold a Personal Licence.
Those premises with a Club Premises Licence do not need a Designated Premises Supervisor to sell alcohol to members and guests, BUT this exemption does not apply if the Premises are hired out for functions (e.g. weddings and premises).
A full Premises Licence is required for those activities (unless a small number of events are held, which can be authorised under a Temporary Event Notice) and therefore must appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor.
Only the Chief Officer of Police will be able to make representations about the specification of any Designated Premises Supervisor. This is if they feel, in the exceptional circumstances of the case, that the crime prevention licensing objectives could be undermined. This could include fears that the Designated Premises Supervisor would not be able to fulfil the responsibilities in respect of the crime prevention objective for more than one premises at the same time.
Where the Chief Officer of Police makes representations about the Designated Premises Supervisor, the Licensing Department will hold a hearing to consider the representations (unless all parties agree that this is unnecessary). As a result of the consideration of the representations, the Licensing Department may refuse to specify the DPS if it considers it necessary for the promotion of the crime prevention objective to do so.
The Designated Premises Supervisor must inform the relevant Licensing Department if he or she wishes to be removed as Designated Premises Supervisor. Within 48 hours of the Notice being given to the Licensing Department, the Designated Premises Supervisor must also give the Premises Licence Holder a copy of the Notice sent to the Licensing Department. The Designated Premises Supervisor must also send a Notice directing the Premises Licence Holder to send the Premises Licence to the relevant Licensing Authority. If that is not practicable, a statement of the reasons for the failure to provide the licence within 14 days of receiving the Notice should be issued to the Licensing Authority. If the Premises Licence holder fails to comply with the direction he/she will commit a criminal offence.
Can I be a Designated Premises Supervisor at more than one premises at the same time?
The only requirement for being a Designated Premises Supervisor is that the individual concerned must be the holder of a Personal Licence. This ensures that where the activities concern the supply of alcohol, there is a person who supervises the premise who has an understanding of the social issues, potential problems associated with the sale of alcohol and who is responsible for licensable activities at the premises.
How do I change the details of the Designated Premises Supervisor?
Where a Designated Premises Supervisor is to be newly specified, the normal procedure is for the Premises Licence Holder to notify the Police of this. The whole Premises Licence does not have to be provided for the amendment. The Act states that part of the licence must be submitted with the appropriate application form. This will also require submission of a schedule to the main licence giving personal details of key individuals.
Fill in our request a licensing application form and select the Application to vary a premises licence to specify an individual as designated premises supervisor form to complete your application.
Does the Designated Premises Supervisor need to be on the premises when alcohol is being served?
No, but the Designated Premises Supervisor should always be contactable. As the Designated Premises Supervisor is ultimately responsible for every alcohol sale, if there is any problem at the premises, it will be a matter for the courts to decide if the Designated Premises Supervisor has shown due diligence.
Last Updated on Thursday, January 30, 2025