More events will need public entertainment licence
Changes to public entertainment licences, which come into force on April 1, will bring more events under the umbrella of requiring a licence, where previously they have not had to.
The Highland Council is advising community groups, businesses, charities and anyone requiring a public entertainment licence about the changes.
Currently, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, a licence is only required where the public pay either to take part or to watch the entertainment. However, from the 1 April the “payment” section is being removed, which will mean that some events which do not charge will require a public entertainment licence.
Chairman of The Highland Council’s Licensing Committee, Councillor Peter Corbett, said: “Throughout the Highlands a wide range of events and activities take place each year and we don’t want people to fall foul of the new legislation. Changes mean that even if no charge is being made for people to attend, a Public Entertainment Licence will be required. I would urge anyone planning to organise an event in 2012 to ensure they have all the necessary paperwork.”
Only those activities which the Council have resolved to licence are affected. These include:
