Entertainment Licences and Permissions

If you are organising an event involving entertainment which is open to the public you may need a licence.

The impact of the Coronavirus (COVID -19) continues to have a significant impact on the processing of licence applications.

If you need to get in touch with the Licensing Team, please do so by email to the following address: licensingservices@westlothian.gov.uk

Email enquiries will be prioritised and responded to on a priority/urgent basis. We cannot accept phone calls at present.

In the meantime, applications for licences and permits (with the exception of hire car applications, please refer to the hire car webpages for details of how to make these) should be posted to the

Licensing Team,
West Lothian Council,
Civic Centre,
Livingston
EH54 6FF

along with cheques or postal orders for payment of any fee required and copies of all required supporting documentation. 

If you are unable to post your application and fee please contact the Licensing Team by email.

Please be aware that there will likely be delays in the processing of applications due to changes in working conditions at present. 

If your event involves any of the type of entertainment contained within the West Lothian Council's

If you are organising an event in a public place and this will also involve the selling (e.g. stalls selling food and other items) or the provision of services for money (e.g. face painting) you may also require additional licences such as street traders licences or market operator licences.

If your event involves a public procession or parade you require to give notice of it to the Council.

If your event involves the sale of alcohol you will also need an occasional licence if the alcohol is not being sold from a licensed premises

If your event involves a public charitable collection you may require a permit from the Council.

If your event involves the setting off of fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am you may require to apply for a fireworks dispensation.

More information can be obtained from the Licensing Team on 01506 281632 or by emailing licensingservices@westlothian.gov.uk

Public Entertainment Licence
West Lothian Council operates a public entertainment licensing scheme (which includes firework displays) and 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.
Theatre Licence
In terms of the Theatres Act 1968 theatre premises require to be licensed by their local authority. The Theatres Act 1968 will be repealed on 21 January 2021 when all theatre licences will cease to have effect. The council will consider whether theatre licensing should be included in public entertainment licensing under Section 41 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. The theatre licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
Cinema Licence
In terms of the Cinemas Act 1985 cinema premises require to be licensed by their local authority. This licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
Fireworks Dispensation
In terms of the Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004 the use of an adult firework (as defined in the 2004 Regulations) between the hours of 11pm and 7am is prohibited. However, professional organisers or operators of firework displays can apply for dispensations from this prohibition.
Indoor Sports Entertainment Licence
West Lothian Council operates an Indoor Sports Entertainment 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.