The government has proposed abolishing the personal alcohol licence in favour of targeted, local alternatives.

A Home Office consultation suggests that the removal of the personal licence would “cut unnecessary bureaucracy for businesses while maintaining key safeguards to tackle irresponsible premises”.

At present all alcohol sales must be authorised by a personal licence holder, who must have completed training on the risks alcohol can present if handled irresponsibly.

Welcoming the consultation, Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) chief executive James Lowman said: “This consultation builds on the welcome removal of the requirement on personal licence holders to renew their licences every 10 years, which was announced in the government’s alcohol strategy earlier this year.

“Removing administrative burdens on retailers selling alcohol is an important and welcome step, and we will be working closely with the Home Office and our members to fully evaluate the impact of these proposals on convenience retailers.”

The government is seeking views on whether it would cut costs for businesses and maintain appropriate safeguards against crime and disorder at licensed premises.

The full consultation can be found here.