Entertainment Licence

An Entertainment Licence refers to forms of regulated entertainment which includes:

• Indoor sporting events (such as boxing or wrestling)
• The performance of a play
• Live music
• Recorded music
• Dance

This is regulated by The Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales. It is important to note that the Act only applies to these activities where the entertainment takes place in the presence of an audience.

Licensing applications encompass many different forms of entertainment and can range from a large festival to a small scale theatre production. In some cases, local residents will be consulted prior to the granting of an entertainment license, and it is imperative to consider the four licensing objectives that the Licensing Act promotes prior to submitting your application.

These four licensing objectives are considered against all applications and a statement of the steps proposed by the individual/premises to promote the objectives should accompany every application. The objectives are:

• Prevention and detection of crime and disorder;
• Public safety;
• Prevention of public nuisance;
• Protection of children from harm.

Licensing laws also control when, where, and to whom alcohol can be sold or supplied. The Licensing Act 2003 provides a single integrated system for licensing premises which are used to supply alcohol, carry regulated entertainment or provide late night refreshment.

The supply of alcohol includes pubs, member’s clubs, working men’s clubs and off-licences. In order to sell or supply alcohol, a personal or premises license must be obtained.

If alcohol is to be sold or supplied on a temporary basis, such as for a festival, a temporary event notice must be obtained.

A personal license allows an individual to supply/authorise the supply of alcohol whereas a premises license authorises a premises to be used for the sale or supply alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment or late night refreshment.