Cookstown District Council

Living in Cookstown

Building Control

Entertainment Licensing

Current Approved Licences

Entertainment licensing is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order (NI) 1985 Article 3 and Schedule1. Past tragedies emphasize the need to ensure adequate fire protection and safe means of escape from premises where entertainment is provided. Such provisions are a major consideration in deciding upon the suitability of premises where entertainment is proposed.
There are two types of licence issued - (a) annual type  (b) 14 day type.

How is it determined if a licence is required?

Consideration has to be given to the type of entertainment proposed and the place where the entertainment will be provided. The above legislation defines both of these considerations.

How is an application made?

An application to the District Council should include 3 No. copies of the application form Entertainment License Application the appropriate fee, layout plans of the premises (if a new application) and various electrical certificates. The applicant is required to give public notice of the application in a local newspaper.

What fee is payable?

The fee payable depends upon the number of persons permitted to be present at an entertainments function. Details are as follows-

Licence relating to indoor premises capable of holding not more than 100 persons - £40

Licence relating to indoor premises capable of holding 101 - 200 persons - £80

Licence relating to indoor premises capable of holding 201 - 300 persons - £120

Licence relating to indoor premises capable of holding more than 300 persons £160

Licence for outdoor musical entertainments - £30

Licence for (a) not more than fourteen particular days specified in the licence; or

(b) of any fourteen unspecified days within the period of twelve months next following the grant of the licence - £30.

Licence relating to provision of machines for entertainment or amusement in indoor premises - £50

What happens when an application is made?

The Council is required to consult with the P.S.N.I. and the Fire Brigade. Arrangements will be made to inspect the premises and the applicant will be notified of any matters that may require attention. When the premises are found to be in order the application will be reported to the Council's PRS Committee for consideration. The Council is required to have regard to any observations submitted to it by the P.S.N.I. and/or the Fire Brigade. Any person wishing to make representation, as a result of the public notice of the application, will be afforded the opportunity of appearing before and being heard by the Council.

What conditions are applicable to an entertainment licence when granted?

The standard terms, conditions and restrictions upon and subject to which a licence is granted are available in booklet form produced by the Council (ref: ELC/2008). Additional conditions may apply to particular premises.

An information booklet titled 'A guide to Entertainment Licensing' is available from the Building Control Department.