Licensing reforms included in Government’s new VAWG strategy
The UK Government’s 2025 VAWG strategy introduces licensing reforms for taxis, PHVs, and sexual entertainment venues to improve public safety.
Read More
Understanding how the changes will affect Scottish licensees following the Licensing (Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations that will come into force on 01 October 2018.
30 August 2018
Insight
Following a consultation, the Scottish government has decided to introduce a fee of £50.00 for applying to renew a personal licence.
The Licensing (Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2018 will come into force on 01 October 2018 and this article will help you to understand the changes, how they will affect Scottish licensees and how to mitigate the risks that these changes pose.
Prior to this change introduced by the Scottish Government, there had been a fee in place for initial personal licence applications, but not for renewals. There will now be a charge of £50.00 for each renewal application, which is the same amount charged for the grant of a personal licence.
The £50.00 renewal fee will only be payable for personal licence renewal applications received by Licensing Boards after 17:00 hours on 01 October 2018. Therefore renewal applications made prior to 01 October 2018 will not be subject to the £50.00 fee.
This comes at a time when Licensing Boards are expecting a high number of renewal applications as personal licence holders who obtained their personal licences in 2009 will need to submit a renewal application and complete refresher training between 01 September 2018 and 31 May 2019.
If you fail to renew your personal licence, your original one will expire on 01 September 2019 and you will cease to be eligible to hold the position of designated premises manager.
Business groups such as the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) have raised concerns that the introduction of a fee to renew personal licences could discourage some retailers that have multiple personal licence holders from renewing them, which could result in fewer qualified licence holders working in each store.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about the introduction of the personal licence renewal fee, or any other licensing issues, please contact us on 01332 226 151 or complete the form below.
Related Services
Knowledge
The UK Government’s 2025 VAWG strategy introduces licensing reforms for taxis, PHVs, and sexual entertainment venues to improve public safety.
Read MoreLearn how Cumulative Impact Assessments affect pubs, bars and restaurants and what operators should do to stay compliant.
Read MoreLow and no alcohol drinks are growing in popularity. Licensed venues must still understand ABV thresholds and age-verification rules.
Read MoreThe Tobacco and Vapes Bill seeks a 'smokefree generation', tighter vaping laws, expanded smokefree areas, and a retailer licensing scheme.
Read MorePlan ahead for England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and ensure your venue meets licensing requirements for serving alcohol.
Read MoreThe Government confirms changes to the Licensing Act 2003, allowing Digital Verification Services (DVS) for age verification.
Read MoreUnderstand the Licensing Hours Extension Bill and how it affects pubs, bars, and licensed venues across the UK.
Read MoreConsultation launched on extended pub hours for FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 if a home nation reaches the later stages.
Read MoreSubmit Temporary Event Notices (TENs) early for festive events to avoid last-minute issues. Check deadlines and restrictions carefully.
Read MoreSubmit your Temporary Event Notice online. Guidance, deadlines and an easy-to-complete form to support festive and year-round events.
Read moreEssential tips from staff training to responsible drinking, enabling licensed premises to stay safe and compliant, this festive season,
Read MoreEnsure bonfire events safety this year with tips on fireworks, insurance, licences, and notifying neighbours for a safe celebration.
Read MoreScroll to next section
Scroll back to the top
On Monday 29 September, Flint Bishop successfully completed the acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett LLP. You have been forwarded to the page most relevant to your visit.
Please feel free to explore our website and learn more about our legal services and professionals, including those who have recently joined us from Lupton Fawcett.