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Scottish personal licence refresher practice quiz (SCPLH Refresher): 25 free questions

Due your five-year refresher? Try 25 original questions on the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, including what has changed since you first qualified. Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the correct one and the law behind it.

Independent guide, not governmentReviewed by Liam Humphreys on Last updated Last checked 28 sources22 min readHow this guide was made, including our use of AI

Contents

Practice questions, not the real exam

These questions are original. They were written from the published refresher standard 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 SCPLH Refresher exam

The SCPLH Refresher exam at a glance
DetailWhat the specification says
Who needs itA Scottish personal licence holder must produce evidence of refresher training to the Licensing Board that issued the licence no later than 3 months after the end of each 5-year period from the date of issue. The training itself must be done within the 5-year period; the extra 3 months is only for producing the evidence. If the holder fails to produce it, the Board must revoke the licence (Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, section 87 and Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, regulation 2).
FormatOne externally set multiple-choice paper, 40 questions
Time allowed1 hour (SQA’s unit specification says assessment should take no more than one hour; SQA’s centre page also gives 1 hour)
Pass markpass mark 28 of 40, per the SQA unit specification; check with your centre (28 of 40 is 70 per cent)
Training before the examAt least 3 hours of training, tutor-led or an approved online programme, plus a candidate handbook. Candidates must already hold a Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders.
Evidence for the BoardThe original or a copy of the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (Refresher) at SCQF level 6, with the holder’s full name, address, date of birth and licence number (Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, regulation 3).
Who sets itThe qualification follows the Scottish Personal Licence Holder Standard (Refresher), text dated October 2019. SQA’s pages now refer to Qualifications Scotland, and other awarding bodies offer it through approved centres.
TopicsThe same standard topics as the first-time SCPLH: Section 2 (responsible operation of licensed premises) and Section 3 (effect of alcohol on customers and your business). Section 1 and how to apply for and renew a personal licence (2.16) are marked not assessed, and the specification’s weighting table gives associated law (2.32 and 2.33) no questions.
How the 40 questions are splitOverview 5 per cent (2), key roles 2.5 per cent (1), licensing and operational responsibilities 42.5 per cent (17), protecting children and young persons 15 per cent (6), control of order 15 per cent (6), training 2.5 per cent (1), associated law 0, alcohol and drugs 12.5 per cent (5), social responsibility 5 per cent (2)
A woman in a black apron sits in a stone-walled pub before opening, reading something on a tablet.
Illustration. AI-generated image. About our images

What has changed since you first qualified

  • The refresher is its own qualification, the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (Refresher) at SCQF level 6: 40 multiple-choice questions (pass mark 28 of 40, per the SQA unit specification; check with your centre) and at least 3 hours of training. The first-time certificate does not count as refresher evidence (Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, regulation 3).
  • Minimum pricing: the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 added a minimum price condition for premises licences (Schedule 3 paragraph 6A) and occasional licences (Schedule 4 paragraph 5A), in force from 1 May 2018. The provisions were continued from 30 April 2024 (SSI 2024/127), and the minimum price per unit rose from 50 pence to 65 pence on 30 September 2024 (SSI 2024/128).
  • Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 (mostly in force in 2016 and from 15 May 2017): ‘young persons’ were added to the child-protection objective; licensing policy periods now follow local council elections; a fit and proper person test applies to premises and personal licences, and a Board must revoke a personal licence where it finds the holder is not fit and proper; Licensing Standards Officers have a role over personal licence holders; adults commit new offences of supplying alcohol to a child or young person (sections 104A and 104B); angostura bitters count as alcohol; Boards publish annual reports.
  • Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 (mostly in force from 1 October 2011): mandatory conditions on price variations, promotions and an age verification policy; Boards consult the health board on their policy; a Board cannot announce a blanket ban on off-sales to 18 to 20 year olds.
  • Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010: a disabled access and facilities statement must accompany a premises licence application (from 30 March 2018). Under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, from 1 April 2013 the Act refers to the chief constable of the single Police Service of Scotland.
  • The temporary coronavirus power to extend the section 87 deadline (in force 7 April 2020) expired on 1 October 2022.
  • Not yet in force and not asked: some 2015 Act changes (deemed grant of applications, sections 134ZA to 134ZC of the 2005 Act) and Schedule 4 to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Check legislation.gov.uk for the current position.

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. For reference, pass mark 28 of 40, per the SQA unit specification; check with your centre. That is 70 per cent, which is 17.5 out of 25, so 18 is the nearest whole mark at or above it.

Abbreviations used: ABV means alcohol by volume, MPU means minimum price per unit, SCQF means Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, SQA means Scottish Qualifications Authority, and SSI means Scottish Statutory Instrument.

The 25 questions

Question 1

Which product lost its exemption from the Scottish definition of alcohol when the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 amended section 2?

  1. Flavouring essences
  2. Angostura bitters
  3. Denatured alcohol
  4. Alcohol in medicinal products
Show the answer

Answer B. Angostura bitters

The 2015 Act removed the exemption for angostura bitters. Perfume, medicinal products and denatured alcohol remain excluded.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.2(1)(b), as amended; SQA Scottish Personal Licence Holder Standard, topic 2.2.

Question 2

What did the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 (Continuation) Order 2024 do?

  1. It kept the minimum pricing provisions in effect after the end of the 6 year period, when they would otherwise have expired
  2. It applied minimum pricing to sales in licensed premises for the first time
  3. It extended the minimum price rules to England and Wales
  4. It raised the minimum price per unit from 50 pence to 65 pence
Show the answer

Answer A. It kept the minimum pricing provisions in effect after the end of the 6 year period, when they would otherwise have expired

Section 2 of the 2012 Act made the provisions expire after 6 years unless continued. The 2024 Order, in force from 30 April 2024, continued them. The price rise to 65 pence came from a separate order.

Relies on: Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 s.2; SSI 2024/127 art.2.

Question 3

An applicant tries to persuade a Licensing Board member to support their pending application. What is the effect under the Act?

  1. It is lawful if it is done in writing and copied to the other members of the Board
  2. It is lawful if the applicant is a premises licence holder, so the Board may carry on as normal
  3. It is an offence, and the Board must not determine the application until the proceedings are concluded
  4. It only matters if the member agrees to support the application and the Board then grants it
Show the answer

Answer C. It is an offence, and the Board must not determine the application until the proceedings are concluded

Attempting to influence a Board member is an offence. If proceedings are brought, the Board must wait until they conclude, and may refuse to consider the application if the applicant is convicted.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.8(1)-(2).

Question 4

Since the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, how is a Licensing Board’s licensing policy period set?

  1. It runs between dates falling 18 months after each ordinary election of councillors
  2. It is a fixed period of 3 years starting on 1 February 2008
  3. It is a period of 12 months that each Board renews every April
  4. It is a period chosen by the Scottish Ministers for every Board
Show the answer

Answer A. It runs between dates falling 18 months after each ordinary election of councillors

Section 6(7) and (8), as substituted in 2016, tie each licensing policy period to the date 18 months after an ordinary local government election. Before then it was a 3 year period.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.6(7)-(8); Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 s.42.

Question 5

Where must the summary of a premises licence be displayed?

  1. In the back office, kept ready for inspection by a constable or LSO
  2. At the Licensing Board’s offices only, with a copy sent to the chief constable
  3. Attached to the premises manager’s personal licence at all times
  4. Prominently on the premises, where anyone frequenting them can read it
Show the answer

Answer D. Prominently on the premises, where anyone frequenting them can read it

The licence holder must keep the licence (or a certified copy) at the premises and display the summary prominently where anyone frequenting the premises can read it.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.52(1)-(2).

Question 6

A customer buys a take-away bottle of wine at 9.58pm, just before the off-sales licensed hours end at 10pm. Within what time may the customer take it from the premises after hours, and in what condition?

  1. Within 15 minutes of the end of licensed hours, if not in an open container
  2. Within 15 minutes of the end of licensed hours, but only if it has been opened
  3. At any time before opening time the next day, if the bottle stays sealed
  4. Within one hour of the end of licensed hours, whether the bottle is open or sealed
Show the answer

Answer A. Within 15 minutes of the end of licensed hours, if not in an open container

It is not an offence to allow alcohol sold in licensed hours to be taken from the premises within 15 minutes of the end of licensed hours if it is not taken in an open container.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.63(2)(b).

Question 7

A personal licence holder has had three endorsements made in the licence. What must the Board do?

  1. Automatically revoke the licence, without holding any hearing
  2. Hold a hearing, at which it may suspend the licence for up to 6 months or revoke it
  3. Do nothing at all, as endorsements are only a record and are harmless
  4. Issue a new licence with the endorsements wiped from the record
Show the answer

Answer B. Hold a hearing, at which it may suspend the licence for up to 6 months or revoke it

Where 3 endorsements have been made, the Board must hold a hearing and may suspend for up to 6 months or revoke.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.86(1)-(3).

Question 8

A personal licence holder has completed the refresher training. To which Licensing Board must the holder produce the evidence?

  1. The Licensing Board for the area of the premises where the holder works
  2. The Licensing Board which issued the personal licence
  3. The Licensing Board for the area where the holder currently lives
  4. Any Licensing Board in Scotland, because the evidence is held centrally
Show the answer

Answer B. The Licensing Board which issued the personal licence

Section 87(1) requires the evidence to be produced to the Licensing Board which issued the licence, wherever the holder now lives or works.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.87(1).

Question 9

What must the written evidence of refresher training consist of under the Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013?

  1. A letter from the holder’s employer confirming that the holder attended a course
  2. A signed declaration by the holder that they have kept up to date with the law
  3. The original or a copy of the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (Refresher) at SCQF level 6
  4. The original Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders that the holder first gained
Show the answer

Answer C. The original or a copy of the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (Refresher) at SCQF level 6

Regulation 3(1)(a) says the evidence is the original or a copy of the refresher certificate at SCQF level 6. The first-time certificate does not meet it.

Relies on: Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 (SSI 2013/261) reg.3(1)(a).

Question 10

Which details must accompany the refresher certificate when it is sent to the Licensing Board?

  1. The premises licence number and the date of the last review of the premises licence
  2. The holder’s full name, address, national insurance number and employer’s name
  3. The holder’s full name, passport number and the name of the premises where they work
  4. The holder’s full name, address, date of birth and licence number
Show the answer

Answer D. The holder’s full name, address, date of birth and licence number

Regulation 3(1)(b) lists four details: full name, address, date of birth and personal licence number.

Relies on: Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 (SSI 2013/261) reg.3(1)(b).

Question 11

A licence was issued in 2018. The holder passes a refresher course in 2021. How are the later refresher deadlines worked out?

  1. From the date of the holder’s last renewal, whatever date that is
  2. Five years after the date of each course, so the next period ends in 2026
  3. In consecutive 5-year periods counted from the date the licence was issued, so the 2021 course does not move them
  4. From a date that the Licensing Board sets in its notice to the holder
Show the answer

Answer C. In consecutive 5-year periods counted from the date the licence was issued, so the 2021 course does not move them

Section 87(1) counts the first 5 years from the issue date and then each subsequent 5-year period. Passing the course early in a period meets that period, but the cycle stays fixed, so the next course must fall in 2023 to 2028.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.87(1); Personal Licence (Training) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 reg.2(2).

Question 12

A personal licence was issued on 15 June 2020. By roughly when must the holder produce refresher evidence to the Board for the first 5-year period?

  1. By mid-September 2030
  2. By mid-December 2025
  3. By mid-June 2025
  4. By mid-September 2025
Show the answer

Answer D. By mid-September 2025

The first 5-year period ends in mid-June 2025. Section 87(1) allows the evidence up to 3 months later, so mid-September 2025. The course itself must still be completed within the 5-year period. Late evidence means revocation.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.87(1) and (3).

Question 13

Temporary coronavirus rules once let a Board extend the refresher deadline in section 87. What is the position now?

  1. Boards must now extend the deadline for any holder who asks, up to 12 months
  2. The extension power now lasts until the end of 2027 for all licence holders
  3. The extension power is permanent, so Boards may always extend the deadline
  4. Those temporary provisions expired on 1 October 2022, so the 3-month deadline and the duty to revoke apply as written
Show the answer

Answer D. Those temporary provisions expired on 1 October 2022, so the 3-month deadline and the duty to revoke apply as written

Subsections (3A) and (3B) were inserted temporarily on 7 April 2020 and expired on 1 October 2022. Section 87 as now in force has no extension power.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.87(1), (3); Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 sch.5 para.3(4), s.12(1).

Question 14

A person’s personal licence was revoked under section 87(3) for missing the refresher deadline. How does that revocation affect a new personal licence application?

  1. The applicant can apply again only if the same Board grants permission
  2. The applicant cannot apply for another personal licence for 12 months
  3. It is not counted in the rule that bars an applicant whose licence was revoked in the previous 5 years, though the other conditions must still be met
  4. The applicant cannot apply for another personal licence for 5 years
Show the answer

Answer C. It is not counted in the rule that bars an applicant whose licence was revoked in the previous 5 years, though the other conditions must still be met

Section 74(3)(c) bars applicants whose licence was revoked in the past 5 years, but only for revocations “other than section 87(3)”. Age, qualification and other conditions still apply.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.74(3)(c).

Question 15

Since 30 March 2018, what else must a premises licence application include, alongside the operating plan and layout plan?

  1. A written report on local alcohol-related harm from the health board
  2. A fire risk assessment signed by the fire and rescue service
  3. A disabled access and facilities statement
  4. A noise management plan agreed with the council
Show the answer

Answer C. A disabled access and facilities statement

Section 20(2)(b)(iia), inserted by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 and in force from 30 March 2018, requires a statement on access and facilities for disabled persons.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.20(2)(b)(iia), (6).

Question 16

What is the lowest price at which a single 25 ml measure of 40% ABV whisky can be sold in a bar, at a minimum price of 65 pence per unit?

  1. 1.30 pounds
  2. 65 pence
  3. 40 pence
  4. 1 pound
Show the answer

Answer B. 65 pence

Minimum price = MPU x strength x volume in litres x 100 = 0.65 x 0.40 x 0.025 x 100 = 0.65 pounds, which is one unit.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Sch.3 para 6A(3); SSI 2024/128.

Question 17

A bar sells a meal and a pint of lager together for a single price. How does the minimum price condition apply?

  1. It applies only to the part of the price that is charged for the food
  2. It does not apply, because the lager is sold with food
  3. It applies only if the meal costs less than 5 pounds
  4. The lager is treated as if it were supplied on its own for that single price, which must not be below its minimum price
Show the answer

Answer D. The lager is treated as if it were supplied on its own for that single price, which must not be below its minimum price

Paragraph 6A(2) says that where alcohol is supplied with other products or services for one price, the condition applies as if the alcohol were supplied alone for that price.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Sch.3 para 6A(2).

Question 18

A seller faces a charge of selling alcohol to a person under 18. What must the seller show to make out the statutory defence?

  1. That they asked the person’s age, and either recorded the answer in the refusals record or that the person was accompanied by an adult aged over 18
  2. That they believed the person was 18 or over, and that the premises manager had given them authority to sell alcohol without checking age at busy times
  3. That they believed the person was over 16, and either took reasonable steps to establish their age or that the person said they were 18 or over when asked
  4. That they believed the person was 18 or over, and either took reasonable steps to establish their age or that no reasonable person could have suspected they were under 18
Show the answer

Answer D. That they believed the person was 18 or over, and either took reasonable steps to establish their age or that no reasonable person could have suspected they were under 18

The defence has two parts: belief that the person was 18 or over, and either reasonable steps (shown listed ID) or no reasonable suspicion from appearance.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.102(2).

Question 19

An adult gives a bottle of cider to a 14-year-old to drink in a public park. Which offence has the adult committed?

  1. No offence, because the adult is not a licence holder
  2. Supplying alcohol to a child, under section 104A
  3. Selling alcohol to a child, under section 102
  4. No offence, because the cider was a gift rather than a sale
Show the answer

Answer B. Supplying alcohol to a child, under section 104A

Section 104A (in force since 15 May 2017) covers an adult who buys alcohol for, or gives or makes it available to, a child, unless it is for consumption outside a public place or for religious worship.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.104A(1)-(3).

Question 20

A bar worker with authority to sell alcohol serves a customer who is clearly drunk. Which offence is committed?

  1. Allowing the delivery of alcohol to a child or young person
  2. Selling alcohol to a person who is drunk, by a responsible person
  3. Selling alcohol outside the licensed hours of the premises
  4. Selling liqueur confectionery to a child under 16
Show the answer

Answer B. Selling alcohol to a person who is drunk, by a responsible person

A responsible person who sells alcohol on relevant premises to a drunk person commits an offence, and a person authorised to sell is a responsible person.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.113(1); s.122(3)(d).

Question 21

A disorderly customer refuses to leave when asked by the responsible person. What may an authorised person do?

  1. Take their personal belongings as security until they pay for any damage
  2. Fine them on the spot, up to a maximum of level 1 on the standard scale
  3. Remove the person from the premises, using reasonable force if necessary
  4. Detain them on the premises for up to 24 hours until a constable arrives to take over, unless they pay for any damage
Show the answer

Answer C. Remove the person from the premises, using reasonable force if necessary

An authorised person may remove the person and use reasonable force if necessary, and a constable must provide assistance if asked, where they reasonably suspect the offence.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.116(3)-(4).

Question 22

The chief constable reports a personal licence holder’s conduct under section 84A. Must the Licensing Board hold a hearing?

  1. Yes, but only if the holder asks for one
  2. Yes, the Board must hold a hearing
  3. No, the Board refers all police reports to the sheriff
  4. No, the Board may decide to take no action without a hearing
Show the answer

Answer B. Yes, the Board must hold a hearing

Under section 84A(2) the Board must hold a hearing on a police report. Compare a report by a Licensing Standards Officer, after which the Board may hold one.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.84A(1)-(2); s.84B(2).

Question 23

A new bar assistant starts work. What must be kept on the premises while that person works there selling or serving alcohol?

  1. A copy of the personal licence held by the person’s line manager
  2. A copy of the person’s passport or other photographic identity document
  3. A signed letter from the Board confirming that the person may work there
  4. A training record in the prescribed form relating to that person
Show the answer

Answer D. A training record in the prescribed form relating to that person

A training record in the form set out in the Licensing (Mandatory Conditions No. 2) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 must be kept on the premises.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Sch.3 para 6(2A).

Question 24

About how many units are in a standard 175 ml glass of 12% ABV wine?

  1. About 1.5 units
  2. About 2 units
  3. About 4.2 units
  4. About 3 units
Show the answer

Answer B. About 2 units

12 x 175 / 1,000 = 2.1 units.

Relies on: NHS, Calculating alcohol units.

Question 25

A customer becomes aggressive when refused service. What is the best way to start dealing with it?

  1. Shout back firmly to show authority and make sure the customer knows who is in charge
  2. Physically push the customer out of the premises straight away before others notice
  3. Stay calm, speak politely and give clear reasons, and call for support if the situation is escalating
  4. Serve them one more drink to calm them down, and then explain the refusal once they have settled down and sat down
Show the answer

Answer C. Stay calm, speak politely and give clear reasons, and call for support if the situation is escalating

The standard asks for preventing and managing conflict situations calmly. If the customer will not leave, an authorised person may remove them using reasonable force, with police assistance if needed.

Relies on: SQA Scottish Personal Licence Holder Standard, topic 3.6; Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.116(3)-(4).

Want more practice?

The SCPLH Refresher question bank has all 275 questions, not only these 25, with answers and notes in PDF and a self-marking 40-question mock exam. It is for people who already hold a Scottish personal licence. If you are still working towards your first licence, use the first-time SCPLH practice quiz and the first-time question bank instead.

Sources

All sources were last checked on 8 November 2026.

Changes to this guide

  • 9 November 2026: First published. Questions checked against the sources listed above. The pass mark of 28 out of 40 was re-read in the SQA unit specification on 9 November 2026.

This guide is general information written from the official sources listed above and checked on 9 November 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.