Entertainment licence changes set to come into force

COMMUNITY groups need to be aware of changes to public entertainment licensing that come into effect this April.
Currently, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, a licence is required only where the public pay either to take part in or to watch the entertainment. However, from April 1, the “payment” section is being removed which will mean that some events that do not charge will require a Public Entertainment Licence.
The changes mean that even if no charge is being made for people to attend, the licence will be required.
Only those activities which the council has resolved to license are affected. These include:
• Billiard, snooker and pool halls
• Premises used for exhibitions
• Premises used for fireworks displays
• Premises used for health and fitness activities, including gyms and saunas
• Premises used for laser displays and war games
• Premises used for agricultural shows
• Premises used for Highland Games
• Premises used for go-karting
• Premises used for bungee-jumping and bungee-running
• Premises used for bouncy castles or similar structures
• Discos and dances
• Musical performances
• Lectures and illustrated talks
• Concerts
• Circuses
• Fairgrounds
• Travelling shows
• Travelling funfairs
• Sun-tanning premises
Anyone wishing further information about the changes to the legislation, or who would like a Public Entertainment Licence application pack, should contact the Highland Council on (01955) 607790, or download your entertainment licence application pack from http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil