How to apply
Complete your application form and send it to the address on the form. Each licence has a number of conditions that you should read before applying.
Each form lists the fees. You can also check all our licensing fees.
After you apply
There is a minimum consultation period of 28 days before applications are considered. This allows people to submit objections or representations before a decision is made. We'll contact you after this.
Available licences
Information on fees and any supporting documents you'll need to send are included on the forms.
Boat hire
There are two licences for boat hire, one applies to people on the shore and the other is for people in charge of taking people out on the water.
Markets and car boot sales
These can include antique and craft fairs, farmers markets and continental markets.
This licence is not needed for markets held by charitable , religious, political, youth and community groups or markets solely for livestock, fodder or grain.
Metal dealers
If you deal in or process metal you need a licence. If you do this door to door you need an itinerant metal dealers licence.
Non-domestic knife dealers
If you sell knives, blades or swords you need a licence, unless you're only selling domestic knives.
Second hand motor vehicle dealers
If you sell second hand motor vehicles you need a licence.
Sex shops
If you sell sex toys, books, films or other articles, you need a licence.
Sexual entertainment venues
All premises used for the purposes of sexual entertainment need a licence.
Skin piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and electrolysis
If you do skin piercing, tattooing, acupuncture or electrolysis, you need a licence.
Street trading
You need a licence to clean wheeled bins, or sell hot or cold food for immediate consumption on the street.
Permission from the landowner or highways department and an inspection from our environmental health team is also required.
Betting and gaming
If you run a bingo hall, casino, betting shop, adult gaming centre, family entertainment centre or have a gaming machine you need a licence.
Small society lotteries
We grant licences for small society lotteries if ticket sales for one event do not exceed £20,000 and do not exceed £250,000 in one year.
Above these limits your society may need to be licensed with the Gambling Commission instead.
Window cleaners
If you are a window cleaner, or you run a business cleaning windows, you need a licence.
Public charitable collections
The collection organiser must apply at least 1 month before the date of the collection.
Exempt organisations do not require permission but should notify the Licensing Service of their intention to collect, giving dates and locations, at least 3 months in advance.
Find out more about charitable collections and exemptions
Comment on or object to a licence application
Comments of objection or support must be made in writing within 28 days of the licence notice being given. Information on how to do this will be on the notice.
You'll need to provide:
- your name, address and contact details
- the reason for your objection or representation