Public entertainment - Apply for a licence

A public entertainment licence is needed for the use of premises or land to provide certain types of entertainment to members of the public, in most cases (but not all) on payment of an entry fee. For the full list of activities which require a public entertainment licence, go to section 1.2 of the Guidance Notes. This list includes recent changes introduced in January 2017, which include the extension of public entertainment licensing to all public firework displays, including those to which entry is free of charge.

To apply for a licence, you will need:

Credit or debit card
Guidance notes
A completed copy of the public entertainment licence - appendix
A site plan at a scale of 1-500 showing all of the relevant details listed in guidance note 3.1
Floor plans of all buildings, including temporary structures, to which the public have access with a floor area in excess of 30 m2 (at a scale of 1-50, showing the relevant details listed in guidance note 3.1)
Health and safety statement and risk assessment
A copy of public liability insurance certificate (minimum £5m indemnity)
Electrical mechanical or gas certificates (if applicable)
Structural design certificate (if applicable)
Event Management Plan Template (Para. 3.2 of Public Entertainment Guidance Notes refers)
Technical certification pack - This pack contains details of all the information and technical certification that may require to be submitted in relation to Public Entertainment Event. This will vary significantly depending on the nature and size of your event.

View our guidance and required forms for this licence

Fire safety

You must complete a fire safety checklist and send it to us before we can process your license application.

When we receive the fire safety form, we know your premises are safe for your customers and staff, and that you have complied with the fire safety regulations.

Download Fire safety checklists for permanent and temporary structures

Fireworks checklist

If you intend to have any fireworks at your event then you must complete the checklist in the link below and submit this with your public entertainment licence application form.

Download fireworks checklist

Inflatable structures checklist

If you intend to have any inflatable type structures at your event then you must complete the checklist in the link below and submit this with your public entertainment licence application form.

Download Inflatable structures checklist

Fairground Equipment Checklist

If you intend to have any fairground rides or equipment at your event then you must complete the checklist in the link below and submit this with your public entertainment licence application form.

Download Fairground equipment checklist

Vendors Checklist

If you intend to have any caterers or stall holders at your event then you must get them to complete the checklist in the link below and submit this with your public entertainment licence application form. Guidance to assist you to complete the form is also available below.

Download Vendors checklist and guidance

Welfare Guidance and Requirements (applies to all applicants for a public entertainment licence)

For further information and guidance in relation to welfare requirements for all applicants for a public entertainment licence, please download the welfare guidance for PEL applicants form and the relevant welfare applicant form.

Download welfare guidance form and welfare applicant form

Guidance on making an objection or representation in relation to an application submitted

If you wish to submit an objection or representation in relation to an application submitted under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and would like further information and guidance on how to do this, please download the guidance form.

Download guidance on making an objection or representation

Apply for a licence

The forms and guidance you need to apply for a Public Entertainment Licence in Highland

Downloadable files

Guidance on temporary structures

Phone: 01349 886609

Online enquiry form