Licences and permits

All licensing web pages are intended to guide you through the procedures associated with making an application for a licence.   They are not intended to summarise relatively complex areas of the law.  Anyone using these pages should obtain independent advice from their own solicitors or advice centre.

Information on licences which may be required for events 

Individuals or organisations wishing to hold events may need several licences and permissions.

Applications should be submitted 6 - 8 weeks in advance of the event, failure to submit applications within the stated timescales may result in your application not being processed in time for your event.  

If you are organising an event you may need a licence and other permissions. The licensing law in Scotland is different from that in England and Wales so if you are looking at any guidance make sure you have the Scottish version. 

Depending on what is planned to take place at your event the following are some examples of the licences/permissions which may be required -

• A Public entertainment licence, if organised entertainment is taking place in a public place; 
• A Market operator licence or Street trading licence if items are being sold or services offered at a cost in a public place (e.g. hair braiding, face painting etc)
• If you intend to have a procession or parade as part of the event, you must notify the Council of your intention to hold a Public procession at least 28 days before the event.
• An Occasional Licence is required if the sale of alcohol is taking place at your event.  Applications can be made at Alcohol licences - Occasional, Premises and Extended Hours
• Permission to close a roadway for a parade or street party - this is dealt with by our Roads Network Management Team, please email roadsnetworkmanagement@pkc.gov.uk

You will also separately need permission from the owner of the land.  If food is being sold, you may need to register with our Environment Service as a food business. 

The Licensing Team is able to provide general guidance on the licensing schemes administered by our team but we cannot provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence. Should you require assistance completing your application please contact Licensing by email at civiclicensing@pkc.gov.uk or by phone, 01738 475180.