- Licence type
- Public entertainment licence
- Who should apply?
- Anyone who provides entertainment for the public
- Definitions and more
- A licence is required if you want to provide entertainment - such as a dance, concert, variety show or similar for members of the public, whether or not they have to pay to get in.
- Cost
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prices vary and some are based on the occupant capacity for the premises and the type of event e.g Gala Days or Community Events and whether amusement devices will be provided etc. Some exemptions do apply. Please see our Public entertainment price list for details
please also note that a 20% surcharge is payable for all temporary licence applications submitted within 28 days of the date the licence is due to start - Additional costs
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an additional 20% 'late fee' charge is payable for any temporary licence application received within 28 days of the date the licence is due to start. Please download our Public entertainment fee list for these additional fees
- What you need to supply
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Application form
Application fee
A detailed plan of the premises
A copy of your Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR)Please note: when lodging a new or renewal licence application, you must also provide a satisfactory electrical installation condition report, covering the licensed venue, as detailed in BS: 7671:2008+A3:2015 Requirements for Electrical Installations (Appendix 6).
Any application submitted without this required documentation cannot be processed.
- Additional information
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You cannot apply to renew a licence after it has expired. An application for licence renewal must be made before the expiry of the current licence. Any application made up to 28 days later will be a ‘late application.’
If a late application is received, the original licence will expire on the date marked on the licence. However, if the Council decides that ‘Good Cause’ has been shown for the late submission of the application, the previous licence will remain in effect while the renewal is being processed. You can download our Policy on late applications for further information
The Council has identified specific activities that require a Public Entertainment Licence. A list of these can be found in the Public Entertainment Resolution
Please ensure you read the guidance notes in the application pack before submitting your application. Please note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk
- Application pack
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Download application pack
Download Site notice
Download application for variation
Gala Days
download our Gala Day Event Guide which has been compiled to provide information to event organisers, to set out the timescales for applications and to provide contact details for the various council services and organisations who may be best placed to assist
- Standard conditions