Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

A Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is responsible for any alcohol sales carried out at the premises. They must:

  • be the primary contact for the police, licensing authorities, and fire services
  • be contactable at all times
  • understand the social issues and potential problems associated with alcohol sales 
  • have a personal license to sell alcohol 
  • be nominated by the premises license holder
  • give their consent to the role 

It is an offence to undertake any sales of alcohol without a current DPS being specified on the premises licence or at a time when the DPS does not hold a current personal licence.

How to become a DPS

The DPS is nominated when making an application for a premises licence.

Find out more about premises licences. 

Licence summary

You must display a ‘licence summary’ at the premises where it can be easily seen. The summary must specify the name of the DPS.

Varying the DPS

Only the premises licence holder can apply to vary the DPS by varying the premises licence.

The premises licence holder can apply online at GOV.UK to vary a premises licence and specify someone else as a DPS.

Apply to vary a premises licence to specify an individual as DPS (external website)

Consent form

You will need to provide a consent form signed by the nominated person, otherwise your application will not be valid.

Apply for consent to be designated (external website)

Representation period

Once the application has been accepted by the licensing authority, the Police have 14 days in which to object to the change of DPS. If no objection is received, your application will be granted and you'll receive the amended Premises Licence in the post in due course.

If an objection is received, we will contact you.

You also have the option to request your application to take immediate effect which would allow any proposed changes taking effect during the consultation period.

The Premises Licence holder must notify the outgoing DPS of the application so they are aware that they no longer have responsibility.

How much does it cost?

It costs £23 to change the DPS. 

How to pay 

You will need to make payment when applying online through GOV.UK. 

Removing a DPS

If you no longer want to carry out the role of DPS, and an application to vary the DPS has not been made, you can request that your name be removed from the licence.

You can submit your request by completing an application form online.

Request to be removed as designated premises supervisor (external website)