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Change the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

Find out how to apply to change the DPS.

If you want to sell alcohol on your premises, you must nominate a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). This is usually the person who runs the premises. They must hold a personal licence.

If the DPS changes, you must tell us. To do this, you must complete the ‘Vary the DPS’ application form.

Fees

The fee to change the DPS is £23.

How to apply

You will need to include:

Signed consent from the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

Please provide a consent form signed by the DPS. This can either be provided:

  • By attaching it to your online application.
  • Electronically, by the proposed DPS sending it via e-mail to licensing@torbay.gov.uk

Download a consent form template from GOV.UK.

The premises licence

Please provide a scanned copy or photograph of the premises licence, or the relevant part of it. If you cannot provide this, you need to explain why.

If the premises already has a DPS

You must tell the existing DPS that you have made an application to change the DPS. You can tell them in writing. You do not need to share any details of the application. 

Once you have gathered this information, you will need to register or log in to our customer portal to apply online.  

Apply to vary the DPS

If you have already started an application and need to complete it, log in to My Torbay and choose ‘pending forms’ from the menu.

What happens next

Once we receive your application, the DPS is immediately changed provisionally. This allows the business to run as normal.

We will send a copy of the application to the police for their comments.

Objections

The Chief Officer of Police has 14 days to object against the application.

They can object if they believe the new DPS may undermine the crime and prevention objective as set out in the Licensing Act 2003.

If no objection is received, we will change the DPS as requested. This will usually be within 7 days of the end of the 14-day consultation period.

If any objections are received, the application will have to go to a committee hearing. The Chief Officer of Police will need to explain why they objected to the application. A small group of Torbay councillors will hear all the facts and make a decision.

We will notify you of any objections and give you the opportunity to attend the hearing in person. We will send you with a ‘notice’ telling you the time and place. You must complete the notice and return it to us.

Appeals

If you disagree with the licensing committee’s decision, you can appeal to your local magistrates’ court. You must do this within 21 days of the decision.