Renfrewshire Council

If you are organising an event in the near future, then you should take note that there have been changes to the Council's existing Resolution in relation to Public Entertainment Licensing which came into force on 1 March 2023.  

Since April 2012, even if your event is free to the public, there may be a requirement for a licence depending on whether the type of event proposed would currently need a Public Entertainment Licence from Renfrewshire Council if there was a charge involved.
 

These are the types of activities/events for the use of premises as a place of public entertainment which currently require to be licensed within Renfrewshire:
 

(a) Open air concerts,
(b) Circuses,
(c) Fairgrounds,
(d) Large fetes with tented accommodation for the public (excluding any such fete organised by (i) a school,(ii) a church, or (iii) a voluntary organisation where such event is to take place within the grounds of said school, church or voluntary organisation),
(e) Snooker, billiards and pool halls which do not have a liquor licence.
(f) Video machine arcades (not otherwise regulated under the Gambling Act 2005)
(g) Concert halls.
(h) Premises used for fireworks displays.
(i) Premises used for pop concerts or other live performances.
(j) Premises used for variety and musical shows.
(k) Premises used for paintball games.
(l) Premises used for bungee jumping and bungee running.
(m) Motor truck shows and displays.
(n) Premises used as suntan centres or offering sunbed treatments.

BUT excluding the following activities:

(1) events taking place within community halls;
(2) indoor events held by local community or voluntary groups on premises and, separatim, indoor events of a charitable or philanthropic nature held on premises where, in either case, the capacity will not exceed 500 persons; and      
(3) Local gala days and similar annual local community events, except in relation to any fairground or fireworks display provided as part of the event (which will continue to require a licence in accordance with activities (c) or (h) above).

How do I apply for a licence?

An application pack with an application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from the related content area of the website.

You will require to complete the application form and provide all relevant documentation when making your application.  In the first instance, the completed application form should be emailed to customerservice.licensing@renfrewshire.gov.uk to be checked by the Customer Service team to ensure all questions have been completed correctly and supporting documentation sufficient.  Once the application form and all supporting documentation is accepted, the wet signature application form requires to be sent into the Council Offices at the address detailed below.  At this time please do not enclose original documents (ie passports etc), photocopies of these is sufficient at this time.  Payment can be made with cheque accompanying the application or we can make arrangements for payment to be taken over the phone on receipt of the signed application form.

If you are considering an event and wish advice on whether a licence is required you may contact the Civic Enforcement Officer details can be found in the related content area of the website.

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

What documents do I need to apply for a licence?

You require to submit public liability insurance and a letter of consent from the land owner (if required).  See guidance notes.

For outside events a plan of the area where the event is taking place, which clearly identifies the various activities, should be supplied with the application. The licensing section also requires to see evidence of your public liability insurance cover and inspection tests for all fairground rides and equipment before an application can be considered.
 

How much is the licence fee?

Information on fees for all licences can be found in the related content area of the website under civic application fees.
 

How long will my application take?

All applications made under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must be considered within three months and a decision made within nine months.  
 

Who is consulted about my application?

A copy of your application will be sent to Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue, the local Councillor, the Community Councillor, the Community Resources Department, Education & Leisure 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.

Public Consultation

Where the application is for an event that requires to be advertised, the legislation now allows these to be advertised on the website rather than in a newspaper.  

A list of all public entertainment applications that have been received by Renfrewshire Council and are required to be advertised are available to view on the Tell Me Scotland website 

What happens if there if an objection to my application?

If an objection is received from any of the consultees, 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.
 

What conditions are attached to my licence?

The conditions of licence for event type licences (fairground/funfair/circus/outside events), premises licences and tanning salon licences can be found in the related content area of the website.  Please make sure you are familiar with the conditions for the licence type you have applied for.

How long does the licence last for?

Applications for the grant of a public entertainment licence - premise based, including tanning saloons,  are generally granted for a period of one year.  Applications to renew an existing premises licence are normally granted for a two year period.  However, public entertainment licences for events are granted for the duration of the event and expire when they finish.

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