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Personal licence practice quiz for England and Wales (APLH): 25 free questions

Try 25 original questions on the Licensing Act 2003 before you book the personal licence exam. Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the correct one and the law behind it.

Reviewed by Liam Humphreys on · Last updated · Last checked · About 3,038 words · How this guide was made, including our use of AI

Practice questions, not the real exam

These questions are original. They were written from the public exam specification and the legislation, not copied from any awarding body, past paper or app. The real exam is set by an awarding body and will word things differently. The law changes, so check the sources at the end before you rely on an answer. This is not legal advice.

About the APLH exam

The APLH exam at a glance
DetailWhat the specification says
Who needs itAnyone applying for a personal licence from a council in England or Wales under the Licensing Act 2003. The licensing qualification must be accredited by the Home Secretary.
FormatOne externally set multiple-choice exam on a single unit, Legal and Social Responsibilities of a Personal Licence Holder
Number of questions40 (BIIAB’s qualification guidance table). Its running text elsewhere says 30, so check the figure with the awarding body you book with
Time allowed60 minutes
Pass mark28 out of 40 (70 per cent)
Who sets itSeveral awarding bodies are on the Home Office accredited list, including BIIAB, Highfield, LASER, QNUK, Qualsafe, SQA and TQUK. Each sets its own papers on the same legal content
TopicsThirteen learning outcomes: the personal licence, applying, holder’s duties, licensing authorities, the licensing objectives, alcohol and its effects, premises licences, the DPS, temporary event notices, responsible persons, protecting children, police powers and exemptions

How the quiz works

Read each question and decide on A, B, C or D. Then open Show the answer under it. There is no score, so keep your own tally. Aim for at least 18 out of 25 (70 per cent), which is the exam’s pass mark in proportion.

Abbreviations used: DPS means designated premises supervisor, ID means identification, TEN means temporary event notice, NHS means National Health Service, and ABV means alcohol by volume.

The 25 questions

Question 1

What does a personal licence under the Licensing Act 2003 authorise its holder to do?

  1. Sell alcohol anywhere without any other authorisation
  2. Grant premises licences to other people
  3. Open licensed premises without a premises licence
  4. Supply alcohol, or authorise the supply of alcohol, in accordance with a premises licence
Show the answer

Answer D. Supply alcohol, or authorise the supply of alcohol, in accordance with a premises licence

A personal licence authorises the individual to supply alcohol, or authorise its supply, in accordance with a premises licence. It does not authorise sales on its own.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.111(1)(b).

Question 2

An applicant is 18, entitled to work, holds the qualification and has no forfeited licence, but has an unspent conviction for a relevant offence. What must the licensing authority do first?

  1. Grant the licence without further steps
  2. Wait for the applicant to appeal
  3. Reject the application at once
  4. Give the chief officer of police a notice to that effect
Show the answer

Answer D. Give the chief officer of police a notice to that effect

If only the offence condition is not met, the authority notifies the chief officer of police, who has 14 days to object if granting would undermine the crime prevention objective.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.120(4)-(5).

Question 3

What is a “relevant offence” for the purposes of Part 6 of the Licensing Act 2003?

  1. Any offence committed in licensed premises
  2. Any offence of dishonesty
  3. Any offence punished by imprisonment
  4. An offence listed in Schedule 4 to the Act
Show the answer

Answer D. An offence listed in Schedule 4 to the Act

A relevant offence is one listed in Schedule 4, which includes offences under the Act itself, Theft Act offences, certain Misuse of Drugs Act offences and some Road Traffic Act drink-drive offences.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.113(1); Sch.4.

Question 4

A personal licence holder is convicted of a relevant offence and the court was not told of the licence. What must the holder do?

  1. Notify the licensing authority, as soon as reasonably practicable after conviction, of the nature, date and sentence
  2. Do nothing
  3. Notify the police only
  4. Notify the awarding body
Show the answer

Answer A. Notify the licensing authority, as soon as reasonably practicable after conviction, of the nature, date and sentence

Where the court has not notified the authority, the holder must give notice of the conviction details and any sentence as soon as reasonably practicable, and of any appeal outcome.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.132(1)-(2).

Question 5

A personal licence holder is convicted of driving with an alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit. What may the court do in relation to the personal licence?

  1. Order forfeiture or suspension of up to six months, because it is a relevant offence
  2. Only fine the holder
  3. Nothing, as it is a driving offence
  4. Only the licensing authority can act
Show the answer

Answer A. Order forfeiture or suspension of up to six months, because it is a relevant offence

Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 is listed in Schedule 4, so it is a relevant offence and the court may forfeit or suspend the licence.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 Sch.4 para 14; s.129(2).

Question 6

Which duty applies to a licensing authority when carrying out its licensing functions?

  1. It must promote tourism
  2. It must reduce the number of premises each year
  3. It must carry out its functions with a view to promoting the licensing objectives
  4. It must maximise licence fee income
Show the answer

Answer C. It must carry out its functions with a view to promoting the licensing objectives

Section 4 requires the authority to promote the licensing objectives, and to have regard to its licensing statement and the Secretary of State’s guidance.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.4(1) and (3).

Question 7

Which of the following is a licensing objective in England and Wales?

  1. The promotion of tourism
  2. The protection of children from harm
  3. The maximisation of local employment
  4. The protection and improvement of public health
Show the answer

Answer B. The protection of children from harm

Public health is not an objective in England and Wales, though it is in Scotland.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.4(2)(d).

Question 8

What is an “operating schedule”?

  1. A document that accompanies a premises licence application and sets out the licensable activities, times and the steps to promote the licensing objectives
  2. A list of staff qualifications
  3. A plan of the fire exits only
  4. A staff rota
Show the answer

Answer A. A document that accompanies a premises licence application and sets out the licensable activities, times and the steps to promote the licensing objectives

The operating schedule is in the prescribed form and states matters such as the licensable activities, times, premises supervisor details, whether supplies are on or off the premises and steps to promote the objectives.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.17(3)(a) and (4).

Question 9

What is “alcohol” for the purposes of the Licensing Act 2003?

  1. Spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spirituous liquor, excluding certain products and anything of a strength not exceeding 0.5% at the time of sale
  2. Only spirits
  3. Any drink that contains any alcohol at all
  4. Only drinks above 5% strength
Show the answer

Answer A. Spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spirituous liquor, excluding certain products and anything of a strength not exceeding 0.5% at the time of sale

The definition covers spirits, wine, beer, cider and other fermented or distilled liquor. Excluded are items such as perfume, medicinal products and alcohol of a strength not exceeding 0.5% at the time of sale.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.191(1).

Question 10

What is the UK low-risk drinking advice for men and women who drink regularly?

  1. No limit with food
  2. Not more than 14 units a week on a regular basis, spread over 3 or more days
  3. Not more than 21 units a week for men
  4. Not more than 28 units a week
Show the answer

Answer B. Not more than 14 units a week on a regular basis, spread over 3 or more days

The NHS advises not drinking more than 14 units a week regularly, and spreading the drinking over 3 or more days if drinking as much as 14 units.

Relies on: NHS, The risks of drinking too much (nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/the-risks-of-drinking-too-much/).

Question 11

What is a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003?

  1. A licence that allows a person to run any premises in England
  2. A certificate issued by the awarding body
  3. A licence granted in respect of premises that authorises the premises to be used for one or more licensable activities
  4. A licence that allows an individual to supervise sales anywhere
Show the answer

Answer C. A licence granted in respect of premises that authorises the premises to be used for one or more licensable activities

A premises licence authorises particular premises to be used for licensable activities. A personal licence is held by an individual.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.11.

Question 12

Where must a premises licence (or a certified copy) be kept?

  1. At the licensing authority’s offices
  2. At the premises, in the custody or under the control of the holder or a nominated person who works there
  3. At the DPS’s home
  4. At the police station
Show the answer

Answer B. At the premises, in the custody or under the control of the holder or a nominated person who works there

The licence and a list of mandatory conditions must be kept at the premises. The summary and a notice naming the nominated person must be prominently displayed.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.57(2)-(3).

Question 13

Which of the following is a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003?

  1. The sale by retail of alcohol
  2. The sale of cold food at 6pm
  3. The sale of soft drinks
  4. The sale of newspapers
Show the answer

Answer A. The sale by retail of alcohol

The licensable activities are the sale by retail of alcohol, the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to a member, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.1(1).

Question 14

What is the maximum penalty for carrying on an unauthorised licensable activity on summary conviction?

  1. A caution
  2. A level 1 fine only
  3. Up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both
  4. Three months’ imprisonment only
Show the answer

Answer C. Up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both

Section 136(4) allows imprisonment up to six months, a fine, or both.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.136(4).

Question 15

Who is the designated premises supervisor (DPS)?

  1. Any employee on duty
  2. The owner of the building
  3. The police officer for the area
  4. The individual specified in the premises licence as the premises supervisor
Show the answer

Answer D. The individual specified in the premises licence as the premises supervisor

The DPS is the individual for the time being specified in the premises licence as the premises supervisor. The licence holder can also be the DPS.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.15(1)-(2).

Question 16

What is a temporary event notice (TEN)?

  1. A permanent licence
  2. A notice from the police
  3. A licence for clubs only
  4. A notice given by an individual to the licensing authority proposing to use premises for licensable activities for a period of up to 168 hours
Show the answer

Answer D. A notice given by an individual to the licensing authority proposing to use premises for licensable activities for a period of up to 168 hours

An individual aged 18 or over may give a TEN for a proposed use of premises for licensable activities for a period not exceeding 168 hours.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.100(1)-(3).

Question 17

How far in advance must a standard temporary event notice be given (to the licensing authority by the electronic route)?

  1. No later than ten working days before the event period begins
  2. No later than 3 working days before
  3. No later than 24 hours before
  4. No later than 28 days before
Show the answer

Answer A. No later than ten working days before the event period begins

A standard TEN must be given no later than ten working days before the day the event period begins.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.100A(2).

Question 18

Which offence is committed by a person with authority to sell alcohol who knowingly sells it to a person who is drunk?

  1. Obtaining alcohol for a drunk person
  2. Keeping smuggled goods
  3. Sale of alcohol to a person who is drunk
  4. Unauthorised licensable activity
Show the answer

Answer C. Sale of alcohol to a person who is drunk

A person with authority to sell who knowingly sells, or attempts to sell, alcohol to a drunk person on relevant premises, or allows such a sale, commits an offence.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.141(1)-(2).

Question 19

Who commits an offence if they knowingly allow disorderly conduct on licensed premises?

  1. Anyone working there with authority to prevent it, the premises licence holder and the DPS
  2. Any customer present
  3. Only the awarding body
  4. Only the police
Show the answer

Answer A. Anyone working there with authority to prevent it, the premises licence holder and the DPS

The persons covered include staff authorised to prevent the conduct, the premises licence holder, the DPS, club officers and TEN premises users.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.140(1)-(2).

Question 20

What is the offence of “persistently selling alcohol to children”?

  1. Three sales in a year
  2. A single sale to a child
  3. Sales to anyone under 21
  4. Alcohol is unlawfully sold to under-18s on two or more different occasions within three consecutive months on the same premises, and the person is a responsible person
Show the answer

Answer D. Alcohol is unlawfully sold to under-18s on two or more different occasions within three consecutive months on the same premises, and the person is a responsible person

Under section 147A, unlawful sales to under-18s on two or more different occasions within three consecutive months at the same licensed premises make the licence holder (or TEN user) guilty of an offence.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.147A(1).

Question 21

What must the age verification policy require individuals who appear under 18 to produce, according to the mandatory conditions?

  1. Any piece of mail
  2. A school report
  3. Identification bearing their photograph, date of birth and either a holographic mark or an ultraviolet feature
  4. A letter from a parent
Show the answer

Answer C. Identification bearing their photograph, date of birth and either a holographic mark or an ultraviolet feature

Paragraph 3(3) requires such ID, or an older age may be specified in the policy.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010, Sch. para 3(3).

Question 22

Which statement about the consumption of alcohol by 16- and 17-year-olds is correct?

  1. No 16-year-old may ever consume alcohol on licensed premises
  2. Beer, wine or cider may be consumed by a 16- or 17-year-old at a table meal on relevant premises if accompanied by an adult
  3. Any alcohol may be consumed by 16-year-olds at the bar
  4. Spirits may be consumed with a meal
Show the answer

Answer B. Beer, wine or cider may be consumed by a 16- or 17-year-old at a table meal on relevant premises if accompanied by an adult

The consumption offences do not apply where the individual is aged 16 or 17, the alcohol is beer, wine or cider, consumed at a table meal on relevant premises, and accompanied by an adult.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.150(4).

Question 23

Where there is, or is expected to be, disorder in an area, who can apply to a magistrates’ court for an order closing all licensed premises at or near it?

  1. Any constable
  2. The licensing authority’s clerk
  3. A neighbour
  4. A police officer of the rank of superintendent or above
Show the answer

Answer D. A police officer of the rank of superintendent or above

A magistrates’ court may make an order only on the application of a police officer of at least superintendent rank.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.160(1)-(2).

Question 24

Which sale of alcohol is NOT a “sale by retail”?

  1. A sale to a member of the public for cash
  2. A sale to a customer in a pub
  3. A sale at a bar
  4. A sale to a trader for the purposes of their trade
Show the answer

Answer D. A sale to a trader for the purposes of their trade

A sale to a trader for the purposes of their trade falls within s.192(2) and is not a sale by retail, so it does not itself need a licence.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 s.192(2)(a).

Question 25

A play is performed to an audience of 300 in a theatre at 7pm. Is it regulated entertainment under the conditions in Schedule 1?

  1. No. A play is regulated only if the audience is more than 500, or it takes place before 8am or after 11pm
  2. Yes, if there is a bar
  3. Yes, if alcohol is sold
  4. Yes, always
Show the answer

Answer A. No. A play is regulated only if the audience is more than 500, or it takes place before 8am or after 11pm

Schedule 1 para 2(1B) makes the second condition for plays: audience over 500, or before 8am or after 11pm. A 300-audience play at 7pm does not satisfy it.

Relies on: Licensing Act 2003 Sch.1 para 2(1B).

Want more practice?

A bank of 234 questions in the same style, as a printable PDF with answers and as a self-marking file that works offline, is on sale as the question bank for £19, with every answer explained and its source given.

Sources

Changes to this guide

  • 23 October 2026: Draft written. Questions checked against the sources listed above.

This guide is general information written from the official sources listed above and checked on 23 October 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and Plainfiles is not endorsed by any government body. Rules change, so check the linked official pages for your own situation. Written and designed by Plainfiles with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, then checked against the official legislation and guidance listed in the sources. How we write and check our guides.