REHIS Scottish Certificate for New Personal Licence Holders (SCQF Level 6)

The REHIS Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders provides essential training for anyone who authorises or supervises the sale of alcohol in Scotland. This qualification ensures learners understand the legal responsibilities placed upon Personal Licence Holders under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and subsequent legislation. It is designed to give learners a clear understanding of how licensing law works in practice, the importance of responsible alcohol retailing, and the key roles involved in licensed premises.
This course is suited to individuals working in bars, restaurants, retail environments, nightclubs, hotels, and other premises where alcohol is sold. It provides the core knowledge required to apply for a Personal Licence and to carry out licensing responsibilities with confidence and professionalism.

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Qualifications

Upon successful completion, candidates will achieve the following awards;
- Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) - Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH)

Delivery

This qualification is delivered as a one day course, in person, with the course handbook provided in advance for pre study. Training includes expert instruction on licensing law, with the final 60 minute multiple choice exam completed on site.

Location

Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels

For delivery onsite please contact our Enquiries Team.

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Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course. It is open to anyone aged 18 or over, as a Personal Licence cannot be issued to anyone under this age. Providers require candidates to bring valid photographic identification to both the course and the exam.
This certificate is ideal for individuals currently working or intending to work in any environment where they will be responsible for authorising alcohol sales. The course handbook is typically issued in advance, and learners are encouraged to complete pre course reading to support exam success.

Progression opportunities

Achieving the SCPLH qualification supports several career and training pathways, including:

  • Application for a Personal Licence, enabling individuals to legally authorise alcohol sales.
  • Progression into supervisory or management roles within hospitality, retail, events, and licensed premises.
  • Entry into related qualifications such as the SCPLH Refresher, required every 5 years to maintain a valid licence.
  • Broader progression within hospitality, customer service, and operational management roles where licensing knowledge is essential.
  • This qualification significantly enhances employability across Scotlands licensed trade.

Application and Interview Process

All applications will be carefully reviewed by the delivery team to confirm that eligibility criteria and entry requirements are met. Admission to the course is based on these checks and will be at the discretion of the centre.
Successful applicants will be formally enrolled and provided with a confirmed start date to begin their award.

Career Prospects

This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge aligned with the latest Regional Skills Assessment for the Scottish Borders. Upon completion, you will be well positioned for a range of career opportunities in high demand sectors across the region, supporting local economic growth and employability priorities.

Cost

£ <P>173.00</P>

Course Content

The SCPLH syllabus covers the essential legal and practical knowledge a Personal Licence Holder must understand. Key areas include:

  • Introduction to Licensing: Purpose and importance of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005; relationship between licensing, public health, and community wellbeing.
  • Licensing Objectives: Understanding the five objectives:
  • Preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, preventing public nuisance, protecting and improving health, and protecting children and young people from harm.
  • Key Licensing Roles: Responsibilities of Licensing Bars, Licensing Standards Officers, police, and other statutory bodies; their powers of entry and inspection.
  • Licensing Responsibilities: Premises licence structure, operating plan and layout plan; mandatory and local conditions; alcohol pricing and promotions.
  • Personal Licence Holder Duties: Application and renewal process, duties under the Act, record keeping requirements, and offences relating to personal and premises licences.
  • Protection of Children and Young People: Legal requirements around sales, purchase and consumption; supervised sales by under 18s; proof of age schemes and age verification policies.
  • Control of Order: Laws on drunkenness and disorderly conduct, police interventions, sanctions, and closure orders available to Licensing Boards.
  • Effect of Alcohol: Impact on customers, staff, and businesses; how alcohol consumption can influence behaviour and risk.

This content ensures learners gain the required breadth of knowledge to meet licensing standards and to operate responsibly within licensed premises.

Questions?

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00