What DBS Check do I Need for a Personal Licence?
If you’re thinking about applying, or already in the process, for a Personal Licence, DBS Checks will have been brought to your attention. In this guide, we look at what you need to know about DBS Checks as part of your Personal Licence application.
Who needs a DBS Check for a Personal Licence?
If you are opening a bar, pub or club, or you’re working as a designated premises supervisor you will need a Personal Licence. A licence is needed if you own a shop that sells alcohol. You may also need a Personal Licence if you’re wishing to sell alcohol at a single event. This is necessary under the Licensing Act of 2003. As part of your application, you will need to have a Basic DBS Check completed. DBS Checks (formerly CRB Checks) are criminal record checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
What if I have a conviction?
Having convictions on your record doesn’t mean that you can’t get a Personal Licence. Only ‘relevant offences’ will be considered by your licensing authority. Relevant offences are those listed in the Licensing Act 2003. You can find a full list of these offences here. Mostly these offences relate to:
Those involving serious crime
Those involving serious dishonesty
Those involving controlled drugs
Certain sexual offences
What is a Basic DBS Check?
There are three different types of DBS Check: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. A Basic DBS Check is simply a search against information held on the Police National Computer (PNC). This is the lowest level of criminal record check carried out by the DBS.
A Basic DBS Check or Basic Disclosure will reveal any ‘unspent’ convictions on your record, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Basic DBS Checks are usually turned around in about 24-48 hours.
DBS Checks used to be called CRB Checks, which might sound more familiar. CRB Checks changed to DBS Checks back in 2012 when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority to create the DBS.
What do I need for a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS application requires some basic personal information from you such as your name, date of birth and nationality. To apply for a basic DBS check you’ll also need:
all your addresses for the last 5 years and the dates you lived there
your National Insurance number
a debit or credit card
2 forms of ID from this list.
How do I apply for a Basic DBS Check?
If you need a Basic DBS Check as an individual, you can apply through our dedicated service. The process is simple. All you need to do is purchase your check, complete an application form, and then provide documents that prove your identity. Once that’s done, we can submit your application to the DBS for your check to complete.
Over 70% of our Basic DBS Check submissions are completed in 24 hours or less. Over 90% are completed within 1 week. If you’re ready to start the process, you can do so here.
If you need to complete Basic DBS Checks for your employees, you can sign up with Personnel Checks. Our service is trusted by thousands of businesses across the UK for their DBS Check requirements. If you want to register as a business, there’s no set up fee and you can be processing applications in as little as 15 minutes!
If you need any more information about the types of DBS Check that you can apply for, you can give us a call on 01254 355688, drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk or submit a contact form here.