Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)
The personal licence holder named on a premises licence as having day-to-day responsibility for the sale of alcohol.
The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is the personal licence holder named on a premises licence as having day-to-day responsibility for the sale of alcohol at the venue. The role exists under the Licensing Act 2003 to provide a single, accountable point of contact for the licensing authority and the police on alcohol sales. Every premises licence authorising the sale of alcohol must specify a DPS. The DPS is nominated by the licence holder and named on the licence itself.
Key Points
- The DPS is the personal licence holder named on the premises licence with day-to-day responsibility for alcohol sales.
- Every premises licence authorising alcohol sales must specify a DPS.
- The DPS must hold a valid personal licence (APLH qualification plus DBS check).
- Sales of alcohol must be made or authorised by a personal licence holder.
- Changing the DPS requires a notification to the licensing authority.
What the DPS is accountable for
Under the Licensing Act 2003, every sale of alcohol at the premises must be made or authorised by a personal licence holder. The DPS is the operational accountability for that. They do not personally have to authorise each sale, but they are expected to put in place authorisation arrangements (typically a written authorisation from the DPS to specific staff). The DPS is also the named point of contact for the police and the licensing authority and is expected to be involved in the management of alcohol sales at the venue.
DPS qualifications and appointment
To be a DPS an individual must hold a valid personal licence. To hold a personal licence the individual must hold an APLH qualification (Award for Personal Licence Holders), submit a DBS check, and meet character requirements. The DPS does not have to be on the premises every minute it is open. They do not have to be a manager or shift leader. They do have to be involved in the management of alcohol sales and accessible to police and licensing.
Changing the DPS
When the DPS changes (a manager leaves, for example) the licence holder must notify the licensing authority promptly using a DPS variation form. The new DPS must hold a personal licence. The variation takes effect when notified. The police have 14 days to object on crime prevention grounds. Operating without a valid DPS is a serious breach of the licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DPS have to be on the premises during opening hours?
No. The DPS does not have to be on the premises every minute it is open, but they are expected to be involved in the management of alcohol sales and accessible to the police and licensing authority.
How do I change the DPS on a premises licence?
Submit a DPS variation form to the licensing authority with the new DPS's personal licence details and consent. The variation takes effect when notified. The police have 14 days to object on crime prevention grounds.
What is the difference between a DPS and a personal licence holder?
A personal licence is held by an individual and authorises them to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol. The DPS is the personal licence holder specifically named on a premises licence as having day-to-day responsibility at that venue. A personal licence holder can work as a manager or staff member without being a DPS.
Can a DPS be the DPS at multiple venues?
Yes, but only one DPS can be named on each premises licence. There is no statutory limit on how many premises a single individual can be DPS for, but the DPS is expected to be sufficiently involved in the management of alcohol sales at each venue. Licensing committees can scrutinise multi-site DPS appointments where there is concern about effective oversight.
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