Council extends consultation period on amendments to public entertainment licensing

6th February 2014

The Highland Licensing Committee has extended until Friday 21 March the period of consultation for proposed amendments and additions to activities requiring a public entertainment licence.

The original deadline was Friday 7 February but the Licensing Committee, meeting on Tuesday 4 February, agreed this should be extended following a number of representations received from outdoor activity providers and to allow time to obtain further information on the extent to which such activities are already regulated by other authorities/bodies.

The main purpose of public entertainment licensing is to help ensure the safety of the public and prevent the possibility of public nuisance and disorder. The Civic Government (Scotland) 1982 Act gives the Council discretion as to what types of activities it licenses. In general, a licence is required where the public pay to either take part or view the activity or event, however the Council does have the discretion to ask for a licence regardless of whether the public are charged a fee or not.

Applicants need to prove they have carried out a full Health and Safety Statement and Risk Assessment and provide a copy of their public liability insurance certificate as well as site plans and any relevant electrical or gas certificates. Examples of activities currently requiring a licence in The Highland Council area include:
• Health and fitness activities, including gymnasia and saunas;
• Billiard, snooker and pool halls;
• Highland Games and agricultural shows;
• Go-carting and bouncy castles;
• Premises used for sun tanning;
• Venues used for circuses, fairgrounds, travelling shows and funfairs
• Musical performances and concerts

The questionnaire asks for feedback on the proposal to amend categories and add additional ones for a number of activities including outdoor sporting events, raves, trampolines, entertainment and variety shows and off road vehicle driving as well as any public firework and laser shows including those events not making a charge. It also proposes removing the category for exhibitions, lectures and illustrated talks as these activities are likely to take place in premises already subject to Fire Service and Building Standard regulations. The opportunity is also given to submit any general comments or objections to the proposed changes.

Anyone who would like to take part in the consultation can access the survey by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8GPRTX9 or by contacting the Licensing Section at licensing[AT]highland.gov.uk