Trading Licences
West Lothian Council as a licensing authority, carries out the administration of licensing in relation to activities for which licences are required, including the licensing of street traders, metal dealers and second hand dealers along with a large amount of other activities as specified in the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Information relating to various civic licences can be accessed using the links below.
Under legislation certain business requires an operator's licence and also an Employee Licence, this is to ensure public safety. Business types that may require to be licensed are:
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence In terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 licences are required for all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The HMO licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team. The Team is able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether your premises require a licence.
- Knife Dealer Licence In terms of Section 27A of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982 knife dealers require to hold licences from their local authority. This licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
- Late Hours Catering Licence West Lothian Council operates a late hours catering licensing scheme which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team. The Team are able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence.
- Market Operator's Licence West Lothian Council operates a market operator's licensing scheme which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team. The Team are able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence.
- Metal Dealers Licence In terms of Section 28 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 metal dealers require to be licensed. The metal dealer's licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team. The Team is able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence.
- Public Charitable Collection Permit Section 119 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides that any person who organises a public charitable collection requires a permit from the local authority. The permits are administered by the Council's Licensing Team. The Team is able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a permit is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a permit.
- Second Hand Dealers Licence West Lothian Council operates a second hand dealer's licensing scheme which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
- Skin Piercing and Tattooing Licence In terms of Section 44(1)(b),2 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982, a skin piercing & tattooing licence is required to carry on business providing tattooing/skin piercing. This licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
- Sex Shop Licence West Lothian Council operates a Sex Shop licensing scheme which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
- Street Trader's Licence West Lothian Council operates a licensing scheme for street traders which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
- Venison Dealers' Licence In terms of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 venison dealers require to be licensed by their local authority. The scheme for licensing venison dealers is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
- Window Cleaner's Licence West Lothian Council operates a licensing scheme for window cleaners which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team. The Team are able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence.
