A designated premises supervisor (DPS) is the person identified as such for a particular premises who is named on the premises licence. They will be named in the operating schedule for any premises with a premises licence. The DPS will not necessarily be the premises licence holder, although this may sometimes be the case. It is expected that they will be the point of contact for the premises at all times for licensing authorities, or the police or fire services if problems occur at the premises.
A designated premises supervisor (DPS) is required for sales of alcohol but not any other licensable activity. No DPS is required for registered clubs.
The DPS does not have to be on the premises at all times when alcohol is being sold, it is recognised in some cases this will not physically be possible. However, it will be expected that the DPS will spend a significant amount of time on the premises. What will be essential is that the DPS is contactable, particularly should problems arise with the premises.
A person can be a designated premises supervisor (DPS) at more than one premises at the same time. The only requirement for being a DPS is that the individual concerned must be the holder of a personal licence. This ensures that where the activities concern the supply of alcohol there is a person associated with the premises who has an understanding of the social issues and potential problems associated with the sale of alcohol. The Act specifies, however, that there may only be one DPS for any premises.
The chief officer of police only will be able to make representations about the specification of any DPS if he feels, in the exceptional circumstances of the case, that the crime prevention objective could be undermined by that specification.
If the designated premises supervisor (DPS) leaves his employment she/he must inform the relevant licensing authority if he or she wishes to be removed as DPS. Within 48 hours of the notice being given to the licensing authority, the individual must also give the premises licence holder a copy of the notice sent to the licensing authority. The DPS must also send a notice directing the licence holder to send to the relevant licensing authority the premises licence or if that is not practicable, a statement of the reasons for the failure to provide the licence within 14 days of receiving the notice.
If the holder fails to comply with the direction she/he will commit an offence.
Changes to Designated Premises Supervisor can be made by the licence holder. See the transfer and variation pages for more information on this process.