Apply for this licence
Get a licence from your local council to hold live entertainment indoors.
You need a licence if people watch or take part in live entertainment on your site, including any:
- dancing, singing or music
- indoor sport
- theatre
- circus show
You also need a licence to stage open air music events on private land.
Exemptions
You don’t need a licence for:
- garden fetes
- athletic events
- public exhibitions of work
- any music or singing that’s part of religious worship
Educational institutions and licensed cinemas are also exempt.
Your council will have a full list of events you don’t need a licence for.
Conditions
Your licence will be valid for 1 year but you can get one for:
- 14 days within a 12 month period
- 14 specified days in a year
You can also get a licence for an unfinished site, but this won’t be valid until both:
- your site is complete
- your council have confirmed this
You must place adverts of your application in the local media your council tell you to within 7 days of applying for a licence.
Educational institutions, church halls or other buildings used for religious worship don’t need to do this.
How to apply
Your application must be in writing, but you may be able to do this online.
You’ll have to pay an application fee, which can change depending on how many people your site holds.
Displaying your licence
Your council will tell you how to display your licence.
Fines and penalties
You can be fined up to £20,000 for staging indoor entertainment without a licence.