Importance of the BIIAB Personal Licence Holder Qualification

Well, this qualification is crucial for anyone involved in the sale or supply of alcohol in England and Wales for several key reasons:

• Legal Requirement: The Licensing Act 2003 mandates that anyone who authorises the sale or supply of alcohol in licensed premises (excluding qualifying members’ clubs) must hold a personal licence. To obtain this licence, individuals must first gain a relevant accredited qualification, and the BIIAB Level 2 Award is a widely recognised and trusted qualification.
• Ensuring Professional Standards: The qualification is designed to ensure that individuals working with alcohol are aware of licensing law and its broader social responsibilities. This contributes to a more professional and responsible approach to alcohol sales within the licensed trade.
• Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS): Every premises licensed to sell alcohol must have a designated premises supervisor (DPS) responsible for authorising alcohol sales. The DPS must hold a personal licence. Therefore, the BIIAB qualification is a prerequisite for anyone aspiring to take on this crucial role.
• Empowerment and Flexibility: A personal licence is portable, meaning the holder can authorise alcohol sales for any business with a premises licence. This provides greater flexibility and can enhance career opportunities within the licensed trade.

Supporting the Skills Shortage

Crucially, the BIIAB Personal Licence Holder qualification can play a role in addressing the skills shortage within the hospitality sector in the following ways:

As an entry-level qualification, it provides a relatively quick and accessible route for individuals to gain the necessary qualifications for working on licensed premises. By providing a widely recognised qualification, BIIAB helps ensure that enough skilled individuals meet the legal requirements to work in premises selling alcohol, which is fundamental for the industry.

While it is an entry-level qualification, it holds value in the sector. It provides a foundation of knowledge that can encourage individuals to pursue further training and development within the hospitality sector. This can lead to higher-skilled roles and help fill shortages at supervisory and management levels.

Businesses can also use this qualification to upskill their current workforce, ensuring compliance and allowing staff to take on more responsibility, such as becoming a DPS. This can improve staff retention and reduce the need for external recruitment.

Progression Routes for Someone with this Qualification

A BIIAB Level 2 APLH can open up many progression routes within the hospitality and licensed trade, from supervisory and management roles to multi-site management and business ownership.

The Importance of Skilled Staff in a Challenging Climate

In today’s challenging climate, with rising national insurance contributions, the rise of the sugar tax, and changing consumer behaviour, skilled and knowledgeable staff in the hospitality sector are more critical than ever. Qualified staff can help businesses navigate these challenges by:

• Ensuring Compliance: It is crucial to comply with licensing laws and regulations to avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation. A BIIAB-qualified personal licence holder ensures that a business operates within the legal framework.
• Providing Excellent Customer Service: Outstanding customer service is a key differentiator in a competitive market. Skilled staff can deliver a positivecustomer experience, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
• Managing Costs Effectively: Skilled staff are more likely to be efficient and effective in their roles, helping to minimise waste and maximise profitability.
• Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences: Knowledgeable staff can adapt to changing consumer preferences, such as the demand for low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks, and offer informed recommendations.
• Maintaining a Safe and Responsible Environment: With increased scrutiny on responsible alcohol retailing, skilled staff can ensure a safe environment for customers and employees.

Are you looking to upskill your workforce? Contact our team to discuss training options and ensure your staff is equipped to meet the challenges of the modern hospitality industry.