Public entertainment licence
Apply Online
Please note that although we do not require a digital signature to be added to online applications, if you submit your application electronically, we will post out a copy to you or your agent for signature. The hard copy form will be sent to you at the address given by you or your agent on the application form. The processing of your licence application will continue, pending receipt of the signed form. However, if a decision is taken to grant the licence or permission, the licence documents will not be issued to you unless and until the signed form has been received by us.
- Application for a public entertainment licence
- Public entertainment licence - supply a certificate of compliance
Licence Summary
If your premises are used as a place of public entertainment you must hold a public entertainment licence.
Such a licence is not required in certain circumstances, eg for an athletic or sports ground being used for sports or athletic purposes or entertainment that is being provided on premises licensed under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 during licensed hours.
Licences are obtained from the licensing authority for the area where the activity is to be carried out. Licensing authorities are the local authority for that area.
Applications may be subject to a fee and should be made in writing in such a form as required by the licensing authority (including by electronic means). Applications must be signed by the applicant or their agent (including by electronic means).
Eligibility Criteria
If the application is for entertainment that will be mainly or wholly on the premises you must display a public notice detailing your application, in a public place at or near the premises for 21 days from the date the application is submitted. The notice must contain details relating to the application, where objections and representations can be made and how the objections and representations can be made.
If you are required to place a notice you must supply the licensing authority with a certificate confirming you have complied with the requirement.
Regulation Summary
Application Evaluation Process
The licensing authority will send a copy of the application to the local chief constable and to the appropriate relevant authority (or where applicable the enforcing authority under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005).
The enforcing or relevant authority may be the Health & Safety Executive, the fire service or the local authority.
The licensing authority will give notice to the public in local newspapers of every application.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can contact the local authority online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact your Local District Council in the first instance.
If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:
- erred in law
- used incorrect material fact when making their decision
- acted contrary to natural justice
- didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner
Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local District Council in the first instance.
If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:
- erred in law
- used incorrect material fact when making their decision
- acted contrary to natural justice
- didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner
Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
If you wish to make any objection or representation in relation to an application this must be in writing.
If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:
- erred in law
- used incorrect material fact when making their decision
- acted contrary to natural justice
- didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner
Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.
Other Redress
If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:
- erred in law
- used incorrect material fact when making their decision
- acted contrary to natural justice
- didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner
Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.
Trade Associations
None