Under the Licensing Act 200 the provision of regulated entertainment is a licensable activity.
Specifically, Schedule 1 of the act covers these provisions.
Licensable activities include:
- performance of a play
- exhibition of a film
- indoor sporting events
- boxing or wrestling entertainment
- performance of live music
- playing of recorded music
- performance of dance
These activities are regulated when taking place with the purpose of entertaining an audience.
A licence is required when entertainment facilities are provided for the public or members of a club, or when any entertainment is provided for profit.
Exemptions
There are some exemptions, including:
- certain film exhibitions
- music incidental to certain other activities
- use of television or radio receivers
- religious meetings or services or at places of religious worship
- garden fetes
- morris dancing
- vehicles in motion
- demonstration of a product
- rehearsal of a play or performance of music to which the public are not admitted
Pub games such as pool and darts do not constitute public entertainment and so are not licensable.
The provision of a jukebox, where the public can select background music for their own enjoyment is not classed as an entertainment facility and so is not licensable.
However this exemption does not apply where the jukebox music is played at high volume.
Private events
Private entertainment events can involve licensable activities.
For example, a bar at a wedding that is operated for profit would require a licence.
Further information
We have produced guidance notes for licence applicants.
For further help or advice, email the licensing team or telephone them on 01223 457879.
