Licences - Entertainment Licences
Entertainment Licensing
There are 2 main types of entertainment under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985 - Indoor and Outdoor.
Who needs an entertainment licence?
Anyone providing entertainment must ensure that the venue concerned has a valid Entertainment Licence. An Entertainment Licence is only required if a charge is made (the definition of charge is quite wide and includes any form of charge whenever paid or whether paid by money or money’s worth). Exemptions can be made for religious occasions and in certain circumstances in schools.
The purpose of an entertainment licence
The need to ensure adequate fire protection and safe means of escape from premises where entertainment is provided has been highlighted by past tragedies. An entertainments licence will ensure that people can enjoy themselves in a safe environment knowing that should an emergency occur they would be able to vacate the venue, swiftly and safely.
Indoor Entertainment
Indoor entertainment includes the following: -
- Theatrical performances
- Music, singing, dancing or any entertainment of a like kind
- Circuses
- Public contest, match, exhibition or display of boxing, wrestling, judo, karate etc snooker, pool or billiards, darts
- Machines for entertainment or amusement
Outdoor Entertainment
This is an entertainment that takes place in the open air and on private land and is of a musical nature.
Types of entertainment licences
There are 3 types of licences issued:
- Annual
- 14 day occasional unspecified dates
- 14 day occasional particular dates
How to apply for an entertainment licence
Application forms can be obtained from Ballymoney Borough Council, Borough Services Directorate. Click here to download an application form
The following should be completed and returned, as soon as possible: -
- 3 copies of the application form (completed both sides)
- The relevant fee. Click here for fees
- Three copies of plans of the premises, minimum scale 1:100 (Only if a new premises)
- The relevant certificates (please contact the Borough Services Directorate for advice on which certificates are required).
The application is not valid unless an advertisement is placed in at least one of the local newspapers. This advertisement must be placed in the local paper within 7 days of the date on which you make application. Click here to download newspaper advertisement template.
NOTE 1 An advertisement is not required for a 14-day occasional licence or for church halls or educational establishments.
NOTE 2 a minimum of 28 days must pass from the date the advertisement is published to allow people to object to the licence if they wish to.
How long will it take to receive an entertainment licence and what is the process?
If you are renewing an entertainments licence the council will forward the relevant information for renewal approximately 3 months before the expiry date of your current licence. This is to allow:
- Time for consultation with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS)
- Time for consultation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
- An inspection to be carried out by a member of staff from the Borough Services Directorate to ensure compliance with all technical requirements.
- Time for the applicant to forward all relevant certificates as requested
- Council to approve the application.
New premises and premises which have made structural alterations can also take a minimum of 3 months to issue. This is to allow for:
- Consultation with the NIFRS
- The council to carry out a joint inspection with the NIFRS
- Consultation with the PSNI
- The applicant to forward all relevant documentation
- The applicant to carry out any works required following the joint inspection
- Council to approve the application
- The applicant should note that General and Technical conditions are to be observed by the licensee when a licence is issued. These are contained within a document entitled ‘Conditions of licence for a Place of Entertainment.’ This can be forwarded on request from the Borough Services Directorate.
Advice and further help
Should you require any further information or advice please contact us
Email: licensing@ballymoney.gov.uk
Tel: 028 2766 0257
Fax: 0282 766 0222
