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Indoor sports entertainment licence

If you intend to host a sport event to which members of the public are admitted as spectators, you will need a licence. This applies to any premises where there is 'public sports entertainment'.

Generally, an Indoor Sports Entertainment Licence is required for premises which have as their principal purpose and the provision of facilities for:

  • any game in which physical skill is the predominant factor
  • any form of physical recreation which is also engaged in for purposes of competition or display, except dancing (in any form)

Therefore, this licence covers both sporting competitions and non-competitive displays. The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, Section 41A, controls indoor sports entertainment licensing activities.

If you are unsure whether this type of licence is required, please contact us for advice.

Do I need any other consent?

If you are using a raised structure, such as seating or a stage, then as well as the Licence you might need approval from Building Standards. Visit our Raised Structures Permission page for more information.

How to apply

Please read the notes for applicants (PDF, 86kb).

Complete an Indoor Sports Entertainment Application Form (Word, 86kb) and return it to us with fees. Forms A and B (Word, 633kb).

Fees
Type Amount
Standard fee - if applicant holds not other licence £358
Discounted fee - if applicant holds another licence in North Ayrshire  £180
Temporary licence - up to 6 weeks, not renewable £682

Cheques made payable to 'North Ayrshire Council'. If your applications is refused, or granted for a shorter period than you applied, the fee will not be refunded or reduced.

What happens next?

When we have received your application and fee:

  • you will have to display a Site Notice at, or near, the Premises
  • your application will be advertised on this website to allow members of the public to make any objections or representations
  • we will arrange to carry out an inspection on your premises to make sure they meet the required standards

If there are no objections or representations, and if your Application is within the council's policy, the Application can be granted under 'delegated powers'. This means that the decision to grant the Licence is made by the Clerk, rather than wait for the next Licensing Committee meeting.

If there is any adverse comment, or if the Application is outside the Board's Policy, the Application must be referred to a Hearing of the Committee. You will be told about the Hearing and will be able to make representations in favour of your Application.

It may take up to 8 weeks to process your application. If you haven’t heard from the Licensing Office within a reasonable period please contact us.

How long does the licence last?

If granted, the licence lasts for 3 years from the date of issue. The licence can be renewed.

To renew a Licence, you should apply before the current Licence expires. If you do this, you can continue trading after the expiry date stated in the Licence for as long as your application is awaiting a decision by the council.

Contact Licensing

Email

licensing@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Telephone

01294 310000

Address

Licensing Section, Legal Services, North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE