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Public Entertainment Licence

A Public Entertainment Licence is needed when members of the public pay admission to or pay to use any facilities for the purposes of entertainment or recreation.

View our Guidance for Public Entertainment Licence (PDF, 47 KB) for more information on whether you need a licence and a list of premises which need to be licensed for public entertainment.

If you are a current licence holder and wish to vary your licence, please view the guidance note for a material change in circumstances (PDF, 110 KB) and complete the Material Change in Circumstances form (PDF, 107 KB). The application fee is £77.

How much does a licence cost?

The application fees are based on the type of premises or capacity of an event as follows:

Premises/Capacity of eventTemporary or 1-Year3-Year
Community and village halls£213£282
Capacity less than 200£223£282
Capacity 201 to 1,500£339£414
Capacity 1,501 to 5,000£821£940
Capacity 5,001 to 20,000£1,763£2,346
Capacity over 20,000£3,517£4,688
Funfair£349£563

Funfair (community event) with less than 5 children's mechanical rides present - £74 (1 year licence - 3-year licence not available)

The fees change every year so check with the Licensing Department before you send payment. 

How do I apply?

Apply online

What happens if the Council fails to make a decision on my application within 9 months?

The licence will be granted or renewed.

Last modified on 01 April 2026