Do not retain this copy. Only the online version of a guideline is guaranteed to be up to date.

Show all parts of this guide

Forfeiture or suspension of personal licence (supply of alcohol) - Licensing Act 2003

May be made by A magistrates’ court or the Crown Court  
Relevant legislation Licensing Act 2003, Part 6
 

Availability

 

 

 A personal licence is a licence granted by a licensing authority to an individual which authorises them to supply alcohol, or authorise the supply of alcohol, in accordance with a premises licence.

Where the holder of a personal licence is convicted of a relevant offence the court may:

  • order the forfeiture of the licence or
  • order its suspension for a period not exceeding 6 months.

A relevant offence is one listed in Schedule 4.
Considerations The court may take account of any previous conviction for a relevant offence.
Further Actions for the court Where the holder of a personal licence is convicted of a relevant offence the court must (as soon as reasonably practicable) send the relevant licensing authority a notice specifying

  • the name and address of the relevant person
  • the nature and date of the conviction, and
  • any sentence passed in respect of it, including whether an order was made to forfeit or suspend the licence, and send a copy of the notice to the relevant person.

© Sentencing Council: 2025