Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders

What is the BIIAB SCPLH?

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 states that anyone who authorises the sale of alcohol to the public must hold a personal licence. If you wish to obtain a personal licence you need to apply to your local licensing board. You will be asked for a number of things to support your application; these include proof that you hold a licensing qualification such as the BIIAB SCPLH.

Who is the BIIAB SCPLH for?

Anyone who wises to work in a licensed premises or any venue or site where alcohol is sold, for drinking on or off the premises; in a position where they will authorise the sale of alcohol to the public.

What does the qualification cover?

The BIIAB SCPLH covers the syllabus set by the Scottish Government to enable candidates to understand the law in relation to:

  • the roles, responsibilities and functions of Licensing Boards and Licensing Standards Officers
  • the application process for a personal licence
  • the application process for premises and occasional licences, mandatory & discretionary conditions
  • protection of children from harm
  • the content and purpose of an operating schedule and risk assessment
  • drunkenness and disorderly behaviour
  • licensed hours
  • control of order
  • the responsible retail sale of alcohol
  • roles and responsibilities of the personal licence holder and the penalties relating to failure to comply with the law
  • unauthorised licensable activities
  • rights of entry to licensed premises
  • the strengths of alcoholic drinks and the effects of alcohol on the human body.

How long is the training course, where can I take it and how much will it cost?

The BIIAB SCPLH has been developed in a way that means it meets the training specification of the Scottish Government and can be finished in one day. Longer tuition and self-study options are also available. The training is usually followed on the same day by a short multiple-choice exam. Training is supported by a BIIAB SCPLH Handbook which is written in an easy-to-follow format covering all the information needed for the exam.

Why should you choose the BIIAB SCPLH?

  • Over 1million BIIAB qualifications have been taken so far.
  • It is easy to find a training provider - BIIAB has almost 600 across 5,000 locations in the UK.
  • There is a handbook which explains licensing law in easy to understand language.
  • All information needed to pass this exam is covered in the handbook.
  • One 40 question multiple-choice exam.
  • BIIIAB is owned by BII, the professional body for licensed retail - a registered charity established for over 25 years with over 17,500 members.
  • BIIAB has a reputation for quality, integrity, professionalism and reliability.
  • BIIAB Approved centres benefit from a dedicated on-line service via CentreZone, with fast ordering of examinations.
  • BIIAB is a trusted champion of the industry, raising standards and supporting BII members in upholding the law.
  • Free provisional BII membership for all successful SCPLH certificate holders.

What is BIIAB and what other qualifications are available?

BIIAB is the dedicated Awarding Body for the licensed retail sector. BIIAB specialises in developing and awarding qualifications to support the licensed retail sector at all levels. BIIAB's career path for licensed retailers ensures that training and qualifications are relevant for all job roles in the industry, from bar and retail staff through to advanced business managers. BIIAB Scotland's portfolio includes qualifications for:

  • staff development
  • licensing
  • new licensed retail managers
  • management development.

Within that portfolio, the range of qualifications to support the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 includes:

  • BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Licensing Board Members
  • BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Licensing Standards Officers
  • BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders
  • BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Licensed Premises Staff

If you are interested in the above course please contact the Course Director.

The Greaves Hotel, LancasterWilliam MitchellWhite CrossPenny BankApproved to Administer Biiab Qualifications