Cinema licences

Home > Services > Business > Licensing > Other licences

Any public performance of a film exhibition needs to be licensed by councils under the Cinemas Act 1985. A cinema licence allows 'any exhibition of moving pictures' other than TV programmes on terrestrial TV or cable programmes which are licensed under the Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984.

Click on the links below for an answer to each question:

How do I apply for a licence?
What documents do I need to apply for a licence?
How much is the licence fee?
What criteria have to be met to apply for a licence?
How long will my application take?
Who is consulted about my application?
What happens if there is an objection to my application?
What conditions are attached to my licence?
How long does the licence last for?

How do I apply for a licence?
An application pack with an application form, guidance notes and conditions of licence can be downloaded below:
Cinema Pack (pdf - 133Kb)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Download Acrobat Reader here.

You can apply in person at our Customer Service Centre or post you application to us at the address below, with the appropriate fee and documents enclosed.

You must answer every question on the form. If a question is irrelevant, mark it as 'not applicable'.

back to top

What documents do I need to apply for a licence?
The application form, relevant fee and plan of the premises.

back to top

How much is the licence fee?
Information on fees for all licences is available on our application fees webpage.

back to top

What criteria have to be met to apply for a licence?
There are no criteria to be met.

back to top

How long will my application take?
All applications made under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must be considered within 3 months and a decision made within 6 months.

back to top

Who is consulted about my application?
A copy of your application will be sent to Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Local Councillor, Community Councillor, Environmental Services Department, Planning & Transport and, where the premises are within Paisley Town Centre, the Town Centre Manager. They will carry out their own investigations and report back to the licensing section.

back to top

What happens if there if an objection or representation to my application?
If an objection or representation is received, the application must be considered at a meeting of the Regulatory Functions Board. You will be formally cited to attend the meeting and a copy of the letter of objection will be sent out to you with the citation letter.

back to top

What conditions are attached to my licence?
The conditions of licence can be downloaded here:
Cinema Conditions (pdf - 91Kb)

A copy of the conditions of licence for cinema licence will be issued to you if your licence is granted. The council requires all licenceholders to have a thorough understanding of these conditions and they should be kept as they form part of your licence.

back to top

How long does the licence last for?
Applications for cinema licence are granted for a period of one year and require to be renewed annually.

If you wish to contact us by phone, email, visit or write to us, the contact details are below.

Renfrewshire Council
Licensing Section
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1TT

• phone: 0141 842 4499
• fax: 0141 840 3566
• email: licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk