Indoor sports 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.
Licence Summary
If you use premises to show public sports entertainment, you must have a licence from the local authority.
Licences are not required for premises where the showing of sport for entertainment is not the principal purpose of the use of the premises.
You must comply with any conditions attached to a licence.
Eligibility Criteria
You must not be disqualified from holding a licence, and you must be fit to be the holder of the licence.
You must not have applied for the same licence within the last year, unless there has been a material change in your circumstances since your last application.
Regulation Summary
Application Evaluation Process
A licence fee may be payable, and the licence may be subject to conditions that:
- restrict the use of the premises to a specified kind or specified kinds of public sports entertainment
- limit the number of persons to be admitted to the premises
- fix the days and times when the premises may be open for the purposes of public sports entertainment
Applications must:
- be in writing (including by electronic means)
- be signed by the applicant (including by electronic means)
- contain the applicant's name and address, and those of any employee who will manage the activity on a day-to-day basis, and the area in which the activity is to be carried out
The application must also contain either of the following:
- A declaration that you will display a notice at the premises for 21 days which contains the details in your licence application and details on how to make representations regarding the application. This should be followed by a certificate to the licensing authority stating that this requirement has been complied with.
- A declaration that you do not have rights in the premises that enable you to put up a notice, and detailing the reasonable steps that you have made to acquire those rights.
The local authority will:
- send a copy of the application to the Chief Constable
- place a notice in at least one local or national newspaper which states the premises and applicant details contained in the application, that any objections or representations may be made to the local authority, and how such representations should be made
- keep a register of applications in which they will enter the details of the receipt of the application, their final decision and reasons for the decision, the details of the terms of each licence granted and a note of any suspension, variation of the terms, or surrender, of a licence
The register must be available for inspection by any member of the public at reasonable times and places and any member of the public must be permitted to make a copy of it.
If the local authority fails to make a decision within six months of the application, the licence is held to be granted or renewed.
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 Authority in the first instance.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
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.
Other Redress
No details available at the moment. Please contact your Local Authority.