Designated premises supervisor (DPS)

If one of your licensable activities is the sale of alcohol, you will be required to name a designated premises supervisor (DPS) on your premises licence. A DPS must hold a personal licence.

DPS responsibilities

The DPS is the person who has day to day responsibility for the running of the business. This does not have to be the premises licence holder. 

The person chosen to be DPS will act as main contact for local government, the police and fire service. They must understand the social issues and potential problems associated with the sale of alcohol and have a good understanding of the business.

Although not on site at all times, they are expected to be the business’s representative and must be contactable at all times. 

Only one DPS can be specified on a premises licence, but the same DPS can be named on more than one premises licence.

Apply online

Apply to change the designated premises supervisor

DPS authorisation

The DPS is required to authorise members of staff to sell alcohol when the DPS is not on the premises. Printed and signed copies of the following authorisation forms must be kept at the premises at all times.

Download and complete the DPS letter of authorisation

Download and complete DPS acceptance of authorisation

More information

Read more about alcohol licensing on the government’s website