Licensing of the public performance of plays

7th February 2020

The Highland Licensing Committee, at their meeting on 14 January 2020, made their final resolution in relation to the licensing of the public performance of plays under the public entertainment licensing regime after the repeal of the Theatres Act 1968. This was after the completion of the 28 day statutory consultation period as set out in section 9 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

A copy of the final resolution is set out below.

Transition period

Any person operating premises where they intend to use it for the public performance of any play must still hold a theatre licence under the Theatres Act 1968 until 27 January 2021. A theatre licence can be applied for at the below link and any licence granted will continue to have effect until 27 January 2021:

https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/738743/theatre

From 27 January 2021, a public entertainment licence will instead be required for the public performance of any play. This can be applied for in advance of 27 January 2021 to ensure there is no gap where your premises are not licensed. Applications for a public entertainment licence can be applied for from 9 March 2020 at the below link. Please note that although any licence can be applied for from 9 March 2020, any licence granted will be issued with an effective date of 27 January 2021:

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1125/licences_permits_and_permissions

Any queries in relation to applying for a licence can be sent to: licensing@highland.gov.uk