Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH)

Course Introduction

This unit provides an introduction to the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders course. It outlines the structure of the course and how the rest of the modules and units cover the course content.

Overview of the Licencing Function

We begin the course with some background information about the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, as well as looking at what is meant by the term "alcohol" and what the 5 licensing objectives are.

Key Roles

In this final unit of Module 1, we examine the key roles played by Licensing Boards, Local Licensing Forums, Licensing Standards Officers, and Premises Managers.

Premises Licences Part 1

To kick things off with our second module, we give an overview of the three types of licences before exploring the first type of licence: Premises Licence. We look at how premises licences are processed, along with risk assessments and best practice policy.

Premises Licences Part 2

In our second unit, we continue our exploration of premises licences by focusing on why a premises licence application might be refused, and the processes involved for varying and transferring a premises licence. In addition, we look at the exceptions that apply to clubs.

Duties and Mandatory Conditions Part 1

Next up in module 2 is an examination of the duties of a personal licence holder and types of conditions for all premises.

Duties and Mandatory Conditions Part 2

Now it is time to turn our attention to licensed hours and minimum pricing. We will also take a look at irresponsible drinks promotions.

Personal and Occasional Licences

We are now going to explore the other two types of licences: Personal and Occasional. Here we will walk through the processes of issuing and renewing personal licences, as well as how to apply for occasional licences.

Control of Order and Associated Laws Part 1

In the penultimate unit of module 2, we look at how the law is enforced, including the powers of the police and other statutory bodies, as well as reviews of personal and premises licences. In addition, we explore what an endorsement on a personal licence is, and exclusion orders.

Control of Order and Associated Laws Part 2

In the last unit of module 2, we examine associated laws, such as those in relation to smoking and gambling, along with offences.

Alcohol and its Effects

For our first unit of Module 3, we explore the units and strength of alcohol, and its effects, both short and long-term. We also examine drunkenness and the consequences of excessive drinking.

Social Responsibility

Next up is an examination of best practice in setting and maintaining standards on licensed premises, as well as a look at how to deliver good service.

Selling Alcohol to Children and Young People

In this final unit of Module 3, we examine selling alcohol to children and young people, covering topics such as the Proof of Age Standards Scheme, Challenge 25, test purchasing, best practice and due diligence.

Preparation for your exam

Time to get ready for your end of course multiple choice exam. In this module we will remind you of the format of the exam and offer some examination tips.

Revision 1

For our first revision unit, we’re going to recap the Licensing (Scotland) Act’s definition of alcohol, the 5 licensing objectives, and what a “sale” and an unlicensed sale of alcohol are. We will also revisit key players in the alcohol licensing world.

Revision 2

For unit two of revision, we will revisit the different types of licences, and then home in on premises licences, including variations and processes for applying for a premises licence, changing a premises manager, and transferring a premises licence.

Revision 3

In this penultimate unit of revision, we’ll re-examine personal and occasional licences, as well as duties and mandatory conditions of a premises licence. In addition, we will have another look at the legal side of being responsible for licensed premises.

Revision 4

The final unit of revision focuses on the consequences of excessive drinking on individuals, premises, and society. We also revisit four areas of best practices, how you can implement a zero-tolerance drugs policy, and the concepts of underage sales and consumption of alcohol.