Trading Licences
West Lothian Council as licensing authority administers a number of licensing schemes for trading licences under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and other legislation including the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), caravan sites, street traders, metal dealers and second hand dealers.
The Licensing Team are able to provide general guidance on a 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.
Information relating to the various licence types can be accessed using the links below.
West Lothian Council operates a Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing scheme (referred to as an HMO Licence) which is administered by the Council's Licensing Team in partnership with other Council services, Police Scotland and Fire Scotland.
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.
In terms of Section 42 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, premises that are to be used between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am (including mobile premises operated by street traders) for the sale to the public of food for consumption on as well as off the premises require to be licensed. The late hours licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
In terms of Section 40 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 market operators' require to be licensed. The market operators' licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
Information about who needs a metal dealer's licence, how to apply for a licence, comment on an application or make a complaint about a metal dealer.
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.
In terms of Section 24 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 second hand dealers require to be licensed. The second hand dealer's licensing scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, West Lothian Council operates a licensing scheme which is required to carry on a business where tattooing or skin piercing is being provided. The scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team
The Scottish Government has introduced legislation that requires councils to operate a licensing regime for short-term lets in their council areas.
West Lothian Council operates a Sex Shop 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.
In terms of section 39 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, street traders are required to be licensed. The scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
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.
In terms of Section 43 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, a licence shall be required for carrying on the trade of, or being employed as, a window cleaner. The scheme is administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
A description of the requirements for caravan sites to be licensed, including the more detailed requirements for sites licensed to permit people live all year round.
