Stirling Council consult on Public Entertainment Licenses

FOR YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCIL'S INFORMATION:

News Release April 27, 2012

Council Consults On Public Entertainment Licences

Stirling Council wants to hear from local organisations, community and voluntary groups or anyone who may be affected by the recent change in legislation covering the licensing of public entertainment.

The decision to consult on the impact of the change in legislation was taken by the Councils Regulatory Functions Panel, which is concerned that local groups could be adversely affected because certain types of events that previously didnt require a licence now will. The consultation will determine if certain events should perhaps be exempt from requiring a licence.

Prior to the recent change to the legislation, Section 41 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, stated:

(1) A licence, to be known as a public entertainment licence, shall be required for the use of premises as a place of public entertainment.

(2) In this section, place of public entertainment means any place where, on payment of money or moneys worth, members of the public are admitted or may use any facilities for the purposes of entertainment or recreation.

The Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 repeals the words on payment of money or moneys worth meaning that now any premises offering entertainment to the public requires a licence.

The Council is proposing that events that meet all of the following criteria would be exempt from requiring a licence:

a) organised by a charity or voluntary/community group as outlined by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations:

b) admitting no more than 300 persons and

c) not charging for entry.

Events that admit more than 300 persons and/or charge an admittance fee will require a licence.  

Events run for financial gain by an individual or company will also require a licence.

Comments on the above proposal are welcome and should be sent, no later than Friday 1 June 2012, in writing to: Licensing, Economy, Planning and Regulation. Room 229, Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET or by email to: licensing@stirling.gov.uk